Beach Cities Interfaith Services

Housing Stability and Homeless Prevention and Permanent Supportive Housing for Individuals Exiting Homelessness

The goal of BCIS’ housing and homeless prevention program is to assist with housing those without shelter and maintain housing for those who are on the brink of losing it. We strive to remove obstacles in their way to gain permanent housing stability. BCIS’ model is to award small grants, averaging $800 per person, to individuals and their families who find themselves in unforeseen circumstances, such as a threatened eviction, a job loss, domestic violence, or an unexpected medical bill or car repair that causes them to fall behind on their rents. BCIS pays their rent directly to their landlord rather than writing a check to the individual recipient, assuring that 100% of funds are directed to their stated needs. Our grants are one-time only. Our greatest strength comes from our collaborative partnerships comprised of faith-based, nonprofit and civic community organizations who refer individuals and families seeking our support. Our partners refer potential clients to BCIS after assessing the circumstances of the individual or families, and identifying what they need. Our partners recognize that potential clients do not go through a lengthy qualifying process or a governmental bureaucracy to receive our help. Our Board’s Grants Committee awards funding within one-three days after they are referred or often the same day in emergencies. How does our process work? • An individual or family is referred to BCIS from one of our 22 referral partners who has already been vetted them for eligibility. • Once a referral is received, a member of the Board’s Grants Committee assumes responsibility for the case, and collects more information from the referring partner about the individual or family. • The individual or family completes our intake questionnaire that collects demographic information about ethnicity, gender, and age, current housing situation, other requests for assistance, income sources, and the reasons why their housing is at risk. • The Board's Grants Committee reviews these requests and acts quickly, sometimes the same day in an emergency. • BCIS pays the landlord or vendor/creditor directly to assure that 100% of the money goes to the intended purpose. • All grantees receive information about CalFresh, CalWORKs, and any available governmental financial programs. In order to guide an individual toward independence and self-sufficiency. Financial counseling is a required part of the process. • BCIS reviews grants on an ongoing basis as they are received. • A phone survey is conducted by a Grants Committee member at six month and one year intervals from the receipt of the award. Questions are asked about any progress recipients have made in securing employment, attending school, applying for benefits, and whether or not they are achieving a level of financial and housing stability. We encourage our partner organizations to contribute a portion of the award cost for each request, allowing BCIS to leverage the value of the grant amount awarded to recipients.