News

Emergency Housing Vouchers

The Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA) was recently notified that we are eligible for new Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) and funding as authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).  The ARPA allowed the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to allocate 557 vouchers to OCHA. 

Eligibility for EHV’s is limited to individuals and families who are:

  1. Homeless;
  2. At risk of homelessness;
  3. Fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking; or
  4. Recently homeless and for whom providing rental assistance will prevent the family’s homelessness or having high risk of housing instability.

Detailed information on household eligibility can be found in Section 8 of PIH Notice 2021-15.

Additionally, EHV opportunities are only available through a direct referral process.  The Orange County Coordinated Entry System (CES) will coordinate the referral of eligible applicants to OCHA based on the CES prioritization policy.  Information regarding the CES Prioritization Policy may be found online at https://www.ochealthinfo.com/homeless_serv/ces.

It is likely that most people eligible for this resource are already connected to the CES and will be referred by CES access point case managers assigned to provide housing support and connection.

If, however, you believe you may be eligible for the EHV program, you may dial 2-1-1.  Staff will refer you to a CES access point.

If you have any questions regarding the EHV program, please contact EHVprogram@occr.ocgov.com for assistance.