Family Services (FS) Housing Assistance

Housing is a major barrier to WTW participation and family instability. As part of its wrap-around services, the FS Program helps eligible CalWORKs families with housing assistance and support. The Family Services Program includes the Family Stabilization Housing Assistance Program, which focuses on homeless prevention, while the CHSP aims to assist families who are already homeless by providing housing support. Each of the two housing programs has its own rules and procedures, although some may be the same.

Refer to Family Services (FS) Program Family Stabilization Housing Assistance and Family Services (FS) Program CalWORKs Housing Support Program (CHSP) for policy and referral process for each program.

CWES clients, who are eligible for either program, are referred to the FS Unit for housing assistance and support. The first housing program option to be explored with the client is the CHSP.

Supplemental Housing Assistance Payments

In coordination with EWs, FS ECs issue supplemental housing assistance payments to eligible CalWORKs families who are in receipt of THA. The EW issues the first homeless assistance payment, followed by the FS EC who issues supplemental payments. Refer to Program Directive 2018-4 for referral process and Program Directive 2023-31 for updated information on program services. 

Employment and Housing Focus Team

The FS Team is also part of the Employment and Housing Focus Team, that includes Abode Housing Staff and other community partners to assist client meet employment goals and objectives to sustain housing under CalWORKs Housing Support. Refer to Family Services (FS) Program CalWORKs Housing Support Program (CHSP) for additional information.

Referrals

When making the referral through the DEBS Referral Application, refer to Family Services (FS) Program CalSAWS & DEBS Referral Application for referral entries and guidance. The initial referral is used for referral assignment purposes and data reporting. Refer to Family Services (FS) Referrals for initial referral process.

Note: The CHSP and Family Stabilization Housing Assistance program are separate and apart from the Homeless Assistance payments that are issued by EWs. Clients may also be instructed to contact the Benefits Office to explore payment options under CalWORKs Homeless Assistance Program.