Fair Housing Workshop Video
In partnership with ECHO Housing and Contra Costa County Housing Authority, the City conducted a Fair Housing Workshop for tenants, property owners, other members of the housing industry, and the general public. Angie Watson-Hajjem and Vangelma Carrier from ECHO Housing and Tony Ucciferri and Jesse Hunter from Contra Costa County Housing Authority discussed Federal and State fair housing laws.

City of Hercules Affordable Housing Policy

Affordable Housing Resources (Contra Costa County) 

List of Affordable/Subsidized Rental Units (PDF) - a list of known affordable or subsidized multiple family rental units in Contra Costa County. Please call each building manager for the application or waiting list procedures.

Contra Costa County Housing Authority offers the following resources: 

• Housing Choice Vouchers (information for tenants and landlords) 
  
  
• Tenants - Tenants can sign up for email alerts to be notified when housing applications become available at https://contracostaha.org/waitlist-form/
  
  
• Landlords - If you want to participate in helping the affordable housing crisis, you can charge market rate rents and still help a household in need. If you are interested in learning how to accept Section 8 vouchers, the Housing Authority offers information and support to landlords interested in becoming a Section 8 Landlord. Landlords are encouraged to visit https://contracostaha.org/becoming-a-participating-landlord/ for more information and to email HPS@contracostahousing.org for news on upcoming informational workshops. 

• VASH - Are you a veteran in need of housing assistance? The County offers the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program that provides rental assistance for veterans that are unhoused or in danger of being homeless. See this flyer to find the nearest walk-in clinic.

Hercules Healthy Homes - As part of its commitment to fair housing, the City of Hercules is partnering with Rebuilding Together East Bay Network to provide free home modifications to qualified homeowners in Hercules. The Hercules Healthy Homes program can help homeowners make minor repairs or modifications to assist them in aging in place and ensure their homes are safe and healthy. Funds are limited and income limits apply. Please visit the link above for details. 

Home Match - this program connects community members seeking housing with other adults who have extra space in their homes. 

California Tenants – A Guide to Residential Tenants’ and Landlords’ Rights and Responsibilities (California Department of Real Estate) 

Contra Costa Council on Homelessness - Appointed by the County Board of Supervisors, this council provides advice and input on the operations of homeless services, program operations, and program development efforts in Contra Costa County. 

First Time Home Buyer Resources

Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC) provides affordable housing opportunities and services to aid low/moderate income residents in gaining better housing and financial stability. This organization offers monthly Homebuyer workshops and Community First Lending Services. Community First Lending connects fair lending services to prospective homebuyers and assists homebuyers every step of the way. CDHC has an allocation of state CalHome funds available for mortgage assistance to qualified borrowers purchasing homes in Contra Costa County. For information on CHDC loan programs, please see https://community1stlending.org/

HOME Homeownership Assistance - HOME Investment Partnerships Program assistance can be provided to eligible homebuyers with income less than 80 percent the area median income with acquisition, rehabilitation or new construction of homes.

California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) offers Down Payment Assistance programs for First Time Home Buyers through the MyHome Assistance Program. This Program offers both CalHFA Government Loans and CalHFA Conventional Loans.

The CalHOME Program provides grants to local public agencies for first time homebuyers, housing rehabilitation assistance, and homebuyer counseling to assist low- and very low-income households to become or remain homebuyers. 

Fair Housing Resources

Independent Living Resources assists disabled citizens by providing education regarding fair housing laws and support concerning other housing related issues.  https://www.ilrscc.org/housing-services/

If you are a tenant and feel like you are being unfairly evicted, please contact one or more of these organizations: 

Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California
(415) 457-5025 - se habla español
Noí tiếng Việt Nam, xin goi (415) 491-9677

Provides free comprehensive fair housing counseling, complaint investigation, and assistance in filing housing discrimination complaints with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). FHANC is HUD certified to offer pre-purchase and foreclosure prevention counseling and education.  

Bay Area Legal Aid - Contra Costa County Office
(510) 233-9954
(800) 551-5554 (Legal advice line) 
Free civil legal advice, counsel and representation to low-income people

ECHO Housing
(925) 732-3919
(855) ASK-ECHO
(855) 275-3246 (español - llamada gratis)
Promotes equal access for housing and provides support services

Homeless or At Risk
Call 211
For those who are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless