Housing Support

Overview

Safe, stable housing is the foundation of every family’s wellbeing—and a prerequisite for health, education, and economic mobility. In the Sierra Nevada, housing insecurity is driven by a complex mix of factors: rising rents, limited affordable housing stock, wildfire displacement, and seasonal employment cycles. Casa Oso Foundation works to ensure that every person in our region has access to safe housing.

What We Provide

Eviction Prevention

We help residents facing housing instability before they reach a crisis point:

• Emergency rental assistance – one-time or short-term help covering rent arrears
• Utility assistance – preventing shutoffs that can lead to housing loss
• Tenant rights education – helping renters understand their legal protections
• Mediation services – facilitating communication between tenants and landlords

Emergency Housing Connections

For those experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness:

• Emergency shelter referrals – connecting individuals and families with available shelter
• Motel vouchers – short-term lodging for families with children or medical vulnerabilities
• Rapid rehousing assistance – help with deposits, first/last month’s rent, and moving costs
• Safe parking programs – support for individuals living in vehicles

Long-Term Housing Stability

Addressing the deeper roots of housing insecurity:

• Housing search assistance – help finding and applying for affordable units
• Case management – ongoing support to maintain housing stability
• Financial counseling – budgeting and credit repair resources
• Connections to subsidized housing – assistance applying for Section 8, USDA Rural Housing, and other programs

The Housing Crisis in the Sierra Nevada

Housing affordability in the Sierra Nevada has worsened significantly in recent years. The influx of remote workers during the pandemic, combined with limited housing construction in mountain communities, has pushed rents and home prices beyond reach for many long-time residents.

For low-income workers, seniors on fixed incomes, and those recovering from wildfire, the situation is especially precarious. Casa Oso Foundation advocates for policies that increase affordable housing supply while providing immediate relief to those in crisis.

Who We Serve

• Renters facing eviction or inability to pay rent
• Individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk thereof
• Wildfire survivors who lost their homes
• Seniors and people with disabilities on fixed incomes
• Domestic violence survivors seeking safe housing
• Low-income families with children

Get Help

If you are struggling with housing or at risk of losing your home, please contact us today. Our housing case managers are available to help.