Programs → Core Services
Housing Assistance
CIL’s Housing Advocates are here to provide information on where to find housing opportunities, housing rights, and more. We provide information & referrals (I&R) but that’s not all we do. We keep up a relationship with the consumer to ‘coach’ them to be able to do this for themselves. Your independence is what counts!
Some things that we do at CIL include:
- 1 on 1 consultations to find out the needs of the consumer
- Help consumers get on waitlists in different housing programs—but be warned, because of the Bay Area housing crisis, they can sometimes be up 5 years!
- Teach consumers how to fill out housing applications
- Teach consumers how to request reasonable accommodation (and what their rights are). For example:
- How to request how to pay your rent on the 3rd of the month instead of the 1st month so you can get your SSDI check in time
- How to stand up for your right (self advocacy) to have a service dog or emotional support animal, a grab bar, or other reasonable accommodation
- Teach consumers how to look for housing
- Some older generations are not as familiar with online avenues as opposed to looking in the newspaper, etc.
- Help consumers figure out how to talk to housing authorities, including what kind of forms or letters they need to bring, the language to use, etc.
- Teach consumers how to apply for financial assistance related to housing, utilities, etc.
- Share resources like links to Affordable Housing Online, Eden Housing, and more
* Please note: CIL does not own any property or have control over Section 8 or any other housing authority. We’re here as a resource to offer information and support through the process.
Some Housing Resources
How to Start Your Housing Search
These resources connect you to the San Francisco Bay Area groups that help with housing issues, evictions, and tenant rights.
Legal Housing Assistance
These resources connect you to the San Francisco Bay Area groups that help with housing issues, evictions, and tenant rights.
How to search for Accessible Housing
These resources share tips and tools to help you find housing that meets your accessibility needs—whether you use a wheelchair, require fewer stairs, or seek a quiet, sensory-friendly environment.
Subscribe to Housing Opportunity Announcements
The list below is of organizations that send updates on housing listings.
Older Adults Housing Options
These resources help older adults find affordable housing, supportive living options, and programs for their specific needs.
Finding Subsidized Housing
2-1-1 connects residents to housing resources and services in Alameda County. It provides access to information on affordable housing, emergency shelters, and other support programs.
Roommate and Houseshare Options in the SF Bay Area
These resources can help you find a room for rent, shared housing, or a compatible roommate in the San Francisco Bay Area. Each option includes simple steps to search listings, contact hosts, and explore potential matches.
Support Request Form
If you have any issues using this form please call us at 510-841-4776 or email us at info@thecil.org.
Someone from our team will reach out shortly!
Related Program Staff
