Print this!  Bookmark and Share

Our Homeless Prevention and
Rapid Rehousing Program (HPRP)

GRIP launched our new Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program (HPRP) in November, 2009.

Simply put, the program is designed to prevent individuals and families on the brink of losing their home or rental unit from becoming homeless. We can arrange to make payments or partial payments to landlords/property managers, utilities, etc.

Here’s how the process works: A client calls our Prevention Line: 510-233-2141 ext. 309. They’ll hear instructions in both English and Spanish telling them to leave their name and contact information. This line only accepts calls on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon. 

A designated staff member will call potential clients back and conduct a “pre-screening” phone interview within 24 hours. Those that meet the basic criteria will be scheduled for an appointment where a case manager will help them complete the HP/RR application. Clients will be asked to bring in supporting documentation at this point.  Clients that do not meet basic qualifying criteria will receive a letter informing them that we cannot assist them through the HPRP; however, they will be given referrals to other agencies, where appropriate.

Applications that do meet the qualifying criteria will be reviewed by the Program Manager who will then schedule appointments to discuss anything that requires further explanation or clarification.  During this meeting, clients may be required to make adjustments in their spending habits or develop an action plan to help them remain financially solvent in order to keep their housing.  Clients that qualify for HPRP who are seeking rental assistance are informed by the Program Manager at this time that our rental assistance requires participation and agreement by the landlord.  Landlords are recipients of the HPRP rental payment funds.

We verify the identity of the landlord or legal property owner and explain the program to them.  If the landlord refuses to sign a W-9 form, the process stops and no monetary assistance will be given.  Clients seeking utility payment assistance go though the same process with the Program Manager; however, after being approved by the case manager, utility payments will be made to the utility company. 

HPRP recipients will be contacted by our staff on a quarterly basis to determine that they remain housed at the same address.  A criterion for HPRP success is that clients remain housed for one year after assistance is provided.  GRIP plans to process between 8-10 checks per month during each year of this two-year {pilot} program. 

Back to Programs