Low-income housing in the Bay Area

July 15, 2015 2:12 AM

Are there options for low-income housing in the South Bay? I'm asking for my mother-in-law because we're trying to get her a place near us. She doesn't have any money of her own, so we're trying to find a place that we can afford. Thanks.
posted by massofintuition to Home & Garden (7 answers total)

Best answer: This website is ever-so-slightly spammy because it includes some listings that are not specifically low-income but it is useful. Search results will tell you about eligibility for specific listings based on age, HUD or Section 8 criteria.
posted by DarlingBri at 4:29 AM on July 15, 2015

I work on affordable housing programs in the Bay Area. They will be offered through your county and/or city government. Depending on where you are exactly in the South Bay, the wait list is typically at least 2-3 years, sometimes much longer.
posted by amaire at 7:13 AM on July 15, 2015

SF has an "affordable" rentals and listings program; you have to fill out forms, go to a class, and enter a lottery for the place you want. There's about 1 place that opens up a week, and judging by their mailing list, rents are usually in the $1k-$2k range for one-beds and studios. There is less competition than you would think because you have to fill out forms, meet income limitations, and can't sell or sublet your unit. If you're in SF, call 311.
posted by blnkfrnk at 7:21 AM on July 15, 2015 [1 favorite]

Best answer: The U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) offers a searchable online directory of state and local Area Agencies on Aging and a telephone referral service at [phone] for a variety of resources, including supportive and caretaker services, and housing options. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) offers an online eldercare locator that includes housing options.
posted by Little Dawn at 7:42 AM on July 15, 2015

Best answer: Calling local elder services agencies (like, for instance, a legal aid office which specifically mentions elder law or a community center that includes programs for seniors) can lead you to good local resources for your search, in addition to the government social services mentioned above.
posted by crush-onastick at 7:44 AM on July 15, 2015 [1 favorite]

Depending on where you are, Solano County might be a place to look. When I lived there, about 40% of the county commuted to jobs in other counties. They were there for the relatively low cost of housing.

If you find something in Suisun City or downtown Fairfield, there is an Amtrak station in Suisun City that provides ready access to parts of the South Bay.
posted by Michele in California at 10:28 AM on July 15, 2015

Response by poster: I will look into these. Thank you all!
posted by massofintuition at 5:06 PM on July 15, 2015 [1 favorite]