Rental Deposit Assistance | Eviction Prevention - Shelter, Inc.
1333 Willow Pass Road, Concord, CA 94524
Eligibility
Contra Costa County residents living with minor children. Hardship must be: Unexpected — not something you could have planned for. Not self-created. Temporary in nature. Recent — occurred within the last three months
Required documents
Applicants are required to provide documentation for all household members to verify eligibility. All adults must submit a current, valid photo ID, and minors must provide a birth certificate or hospital birth record. For employed household members age 18 or older, documentation must include the last three consecutive months of pay stubs demonstrating a decrease in income, along with verification of any government assistance received (e.g., EDD, SSI, SSDI, TANF), including corresponding award letters. Child support documentation must be provided if applicable. Applicants must also submit proof of financial hardship relevant to their situation, such as a layoff notice from a former employer, a doctor’s note for medical leave with specified dates, documentation showing reduced income, official verification of an uninhabitable unit, a homeless certificate, or a police report in cases of domestic violence, when applicable.
Additional documentation is required based on the type of assistance requested. For back rent assistance, applicants must provide tenancy documents from their current landlord, including a signed lease agreement and a rent ledger. For security deposit or first month’s rent assistance, applicants must submit documentation from the prospective landlord, including a letter of intent to rent that specifies the anticipated move-in date (within 30 days of the request), security deposit amount, and monthly rent amount. Section 8 voucher holders requesting deposit assistance must also provide a Housing Choice Voucher, rental tenancy agreement, family composition document, rent portion calculation, and inspection pass documentation.
Hours
Monday-Friday, 8:30am - 5pm
925-338-1038
Voice·
Eviction Prevention Hotline
Languages
English and Spanish
Application process
Apply online. Full intake is usually conducted by a case manager.
Fees
None
Service area
Contra Costa County
Offers assistance is to help prevent homelessness for households at immediate risk of becoming homeless, once every two years. Program provides limited financial assistance to eligible applicants for housing-related expenses. Assistance may be available for up to one month of rental arrears (back rent) for households that can demonstrate the ability to maintain ongoing housing costs after receiving support. Security deposit assistance may also be available for individuals or families who are relocating due to an unexpected or urgent situation, with requests required to be submitted within 30 days before or after the move-in date. This program does not provide assistance for more than one month of back rent, future or advance rent payments, late fees, or utility bills. Individuals requiring assistance beyond these limitations are encouraged to contact 211 for additional resources.
Last Assured
05/04/2026
What's Here
Providing organization
Shelter Inc
Provides programs to help homeless Contra Costa residents obtain and maintain permanent housing, promote innovative homeless prevention preograms, increase economic self sufficiency and enhance enhance human dignity. Establishes and operates interim housing, transitional housing and long-term affordable housing, including supportive services and special needs population services. Homeless Prevention Program provides financial assistance for move-in costs, and rent and mortgages in arrears. Education and information is given to the community about homelessness, and the specific issues and needs of homeless people. Utilizes volunteers and accept donations of money, furniture and household articles (with some limitations).