Homelessness in the US needs no explanation. It's an epidemic, especially in California. In 6 years of operation, we have helped over 325 individuals and families stay in their rented homes. These people are going thru a temporary financial emergency from which they can recover. We've found that it takes an average of $2,300 that makes the difference between staying in their home and avoidable eviction and/or homelessness.
Over 78% of full-time workers in America live paycheck to paycheck. Most of these are renters. One unexpected financial emergency outside of their control can put them at risk of eviction and/or becoming homeless. Over 30% of our grantees have said they would have been homeless if not for our assistance. COVID has magnified the potential eviction problem beyond anyone's wildest imagination. Financial literacy is virtually nonexistent.
Most of our applicants provide proof that they can get past the current crisis. By providing them a temporary subsidy, they are able to continue on their path, providing a roof over the heads of them and their families. For COVID-affected renters, the assistance buys them additional time to find a job or get other assistance. Because they complete an online financial education program, they are better able to handle their finances moving forward.
Keeping people in their apartments and off the streets is a benefit for everyone. By providing financial education, we add the long-term benefit of the individual's better relationship and management of their money. COVID has caused a huge potential eviction crisis in 2021 and beyond. Government has done little to help property owners. With your support, we can continue to keep people in their homes and get rent paid without waiting for moratoriums to be lifted.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
