Housing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What kind of support does Sacred Heart provide in regard to housing?
The Family Assistance Department at Sacred Heart Community Service (SHCS) has multiple programs to help with an emergency rental, mortgage, and deposit assistance for people struggling with housing stability.
Several programs provide one-time financial assistance to households who need short-term help to maintain or regain their housing. These programs, including Season of Sharing, Housing Trust, and Housing Industry Foundation, all have different eligibility requirements depending on the funding source.
SHCS is also part of a countywide network called the Homelessness Prevention System that provides emergency assistance with the security deposit, mortgage, or rent to low-income residents of Santa Clara County.
What is the Homelessness Prevention System?
The Homelessness Prevention System (HPS) program provides temporary financial assistance (e.g. rent, deposit, or utility payment) to low-income families or individuals who are struggling to maintain their housing.
Are the qualifications for rental and deposit assistance different?
Yes, each type of assistance requires different basic requirements. Please click this link for more information about rental assistance: CLICK HERE. If you are looking for deposit assistance, please click this link to learn more about the basic requirements: CLICK HERE
Eligibility
Who is eligible for the Homelessness Prevention System (HPS) program?
HPS is available to low-income (80% of Area Median Income) households in Santa Clara County who are at imminent risk of losing their housing. A pre-screening interview and questionnaire are used to determine eligibility.
How can I find out if I am eligible for one of SHCS’ assistance programs?
You will need to first call 408-709-2364 to book an appointment with one of our screeners.
Our call lines are open Monday -Friday from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. If you meet the basic eligibility requirements, you will have an over-the-phone appointment for an interview to see if you qualify for services. This can take up to anywhere from 1 hour to complete. If you meet initial eligibility requirements, then you will continue with the process and be given a list of documents you will need to turn in.
You may also email us at housinginfo@sacredheartcs.org for more information on appointments available. Please include your name, the zip code in which you live, and your phone number in the email. Please allow up to 24-48 business hours for us to respond to your inquiry.
For the safety of our community, we are conducting pre-screenings over the phone but can make accommodations for in-person appointments as needed.
Eligibility requirements vary depending on the funding sources that are available at a given time. As a result, we cannot promise that we’ll be able to assist you.
Do I have to live in a certain zip code to call and see if I qualify?
Some of the funding sources that we work with, including HPS, operate countywide, but others are restricted to specific zip codes. For those funding sources, Sacred Heart serves the following zip codes: 95008, 95110, 95111, 95112 (south of Santa Clara St), 95113, 95116, 95117, 95118, 95120, 95123, 95124, 95125, 95126, 95128, 95136, or homeless.
Regardless of your zip code, we can complete a pre-screen application for county-wide funding. If you live in a different zip code we can also refer you to the agency that provides restricted funding to your zip code or you can take a look at this link for the organizations who serve your zip code here
*Please note: Sunnyvale Community Services' new address: 1160 Kern Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94085
The following zip codes are now served by Salvation Army in San Jose: 95050, 95051, and 95054. If you live in one of these zip codes, please call Salvation Army at 408-282-1165 for more information.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
No, you do not need to be a U.S. citizen.
What if I need additional support specific to my needs to book an appointment or to turn in my application documents?
Our staff is happy to book an appointment for you over the phone. If you need specific support, please mention it to our staff member to see how best we can meet your needs. If you are having a hard time turning in documents to complete your application, please call the number on your intake packet to speak to a staff member to assist you.
What if I don’t qualify?
Some agencies may have additional resources available to offer emergency services to households at risk of homelessness. An agency representative will guide you to any other resources that may be available and helpful in your situation.
How can I get more information? You can call us at 408-709-2364 or email us at housinginfo@sacredheartcs.org.
Appointment Questions
What should I have ready for my appointment?
It would be helpful to have the following ready:
ID’s, Names, and date of births for all household members
Lease agreement or letter of intent to rent
Section 8 voucher and passed inspection report (if applies)
Homeless Verification Letter (if applies)
Income documentation for the last two months for all adults in the household. Income documentation includes the following types of income streams:
Pay from job of all adults
Unemployment benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Person
Retirement income from Social Security
Social Security Disability Insurance
TANF, CalWorks
General Assistance
Child Support Alimony
Other
Recent monthly bills. This includes the following types of expenses:
Rent
Water, garbage, utilities (gas/electric)
Cell phone
Internet, cable, and telephone
Groceries after Food Stamps
Household items (toothpaste, shampoo, diapers, wipes, etc)
Laundry machine, detergent, cleaning supplies
Child care
Car payment, public transportation
Car insurance
Other car expenses (vehicle registration, repairs, etc)
Gasoline
Medical, Dental insurance, Co-payments
Medication
Child Support, Alimony
Credit Cards (minimum monthly payments)
Court fees
Storage
Loans (will need to specify)
Other miscellaneous expenses
What if I missed my appointment?
Please call us at 408-709-2364 or email us at housinginfo@sacredheartcs.org to reschedule your appointment. Please note we cannot guarantee a rescheduled appointment due to the high need of clients needing assistance at the moment. Therefore, we encourage you to ensure you are available for your appointment initially scheduled. You may still contact us to see if we have availability.
What do I do if no one called me at the time of my appointment?
Please call us at 408-709-2364 or email us at housinginfo@sacredheartcs.org to reschedule your appointment. Please note we cannot guarantee a rescheduled appointment due to the high need of clients needing assistance at the moment. Therefore, we encourage you to ensure you are available for your appointment initially scheduled. You may still contact us to see if we have availability.
Application Questions
How long does the application process take?
It typically takes 10-12 business days once you have turned in your documents. 15 business days are given to you after your appointment for you to turn in all the documents requested to complete your application. Below is a visual representation of the life of the application.
How can I check my application status?
Please email us at housingprescreening@sacredheartcs.org asking for an application status from Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please provide the first name, last name, and date of birth of the head of household in your email.
More FAQ’s
If I did not qualify for rental assistance in the past, can I try to apply again?
You may be eligible for current programs if you have not qualified in the past. Funding is limited therefore we will see if you are eligible for current programs. Please note that eligibility requirements vary depending on the funding sources that are available at a given time. As a result, we cannot promise that we’ll be able to assist you.
You will need to follow the same procedure again to be pre-screened. Please call 408-709-2364 or email us at housinginfo@sacredeartcs.org to see if there are any available appointments with one of our screeners. Our call lines are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. If you email or leave a voicemail, please allow up to 24-48 business hours for us to respond to your inquiry.
Does Sacred Heart Community Services provide support with energy bills, such as PG&E bills?
Yes, we do. SHCS’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally-funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills. If you qualify, LIHEAP may be able to offer you assistance with paying your utility bills as well as weatherizing your home and making energy-related home repairs. This website contains all the information and forms you need to apply for LIHEAP.