Season of Sharing (SOS)

Agency: Alameda County Social Services Agency Workforce And Benefits Administration

Description

NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATION UNTIL BACK LOG IS CLEAREDSOS is no longer taking phone applications. They are redirecting individuals to the SOS website to apply.Per Season of Sharing's website, they have started accepting applications: Effective May 22, 2025, households in need may initiate an inquiry through the SoS Client Web Form.Offers to stabilize eligible individuals or families facing an isolated and short-term crisis not of their own making. Provides a one-time critical needs or housing assistance to regain self-sufficiency. Assistance is based on funding availability and eligibility. Types of housing assistance provided include: security deposit funds for permanent housing delinquent rent or mortgage fundsThe other category of assistance provided is called Critical Family Needs. Critical Family needs assists families with: Utilities (electricity, gas, or water) under threat of shut-off or already shut off at current residence Limited furniture items under specific circumstances. This includes fire/catastrophe, extended homelessness, and domestic violence Limited medical equipment and mobility aids. Must be deemed medically necessary and not otherwise covered by insuranceAssistance is offered: ?on a case by case basis.once every 5 years and individuals seeking help with rent must have sustainable income to cover the rent on their own.Other Considered ASSISTANCErelocation requests from Alameda County to another city within California.Help Seeker needsleast six consecutive months of current residency of Alameda County.Must also show documentation of a crisis necessitating the relocation.WILL NOT QUALIFY DESOSIT REQUESTS IF: if the client has already been living in the unit for more than 30 days at time of intake.More Info:SOS is crisis-based and not an entitlement program.Assistance may be received by a household only once every 5 years. Applicants are screened for prior funding. Funding is not guaranteed.UNDERSTANDING APPLICATION:IF HELP SEEKERS ARE LOOKING FOR WATER BILL ASSISTANCE, PLEASE INFORM THEM THEY WILL NEED TO SELECT :I have a written lease agreement with the landlord or property management company or other documentation to confirm my tenancy.UNDER THE QUESTION IN ORDER TO MOVE FORWARD THROUGH THE APPLICATION:If you are seeking housing assistance (security deposit to relocate or unpaid rent to a current landlord), which of these apply? AFTER HELPER SELECTS THAT OPTION HELP SEEKER CAN ENTER AMOUNT NEED IN APPROPIATE SESSION.

Sites Offering This Program

Location

Coverage Area

Alameda County

Service Categories

Basic Needs

Electric Service Payment Assistance
Furniture
Gas Service Payment Assistance
Mortgage Payment Assistance
Rent Payment Assistance
Rental Deposit Assistance
Water Service Payment Assistance

Health Care

Medical Equipment Expense Assistance

Contact Information

Email

[email protected]

Website

https://www.alamedacountysocialservices.org/our-services/Shelter-and-Housing/Other-Support/season-of-sharing

Hours of Operation

Mon 8:30am - 5pm ; Tue 8:30am - 5pm ; Wed 8:30am - 5pm ; Thu 8:30am - 5pm ; Fri 8:30am - 5pm ; Sat; Sun;

Languages Offered

English

Program Info

Eligibility

Applicants must be current Alameda County residents (minimum 6 continuous months) in one of the following categories:-Families with dependent children (age 18 and under) living in the home-Permanently disabled individuals (18 years and older and receiving SSDI/SSI or medically verified)-Older individuals, age 55 and older-Former foster youth, ages 18-24-Veterans-Survivors of intimate partner violence and violent crimes (occurrence within the past 6 months)-Pregnant individuals in their 2nd trimester or laterAssistance may be received by a household only once every 5 years. Applicants are screened for prior funding.The program operates year-round. Eligible applicants can apply any time during the year.SOS is crisis-based and not an entitlement program. Funding is not guaranteed.Requests for assistance must be supported by a valid and documented housing crisis.Priority is given to low-income households.

Fees

No fee

How to Apply

Call for intake. Caller must be prepared to answer questions on basic information, such as phone number(s), Social Security number, type and amount of assistance requested, and sources of household income. Applicants are screened for prior funding

Documents Required

Proof of income, Social security card. Proof of all income and ability to meet monthly financial obligations on an ongoing basis is required. Requests for assistance must be supported by a valid and documented housing crisis.