Rental Counseling

Click here to complete your registration and schedule your counseling session today.

You can also contact us at 510-674-9227.

Click the link below to view upcoming rental workshop dates:

What households are saying:

  • "When I first applied, I had another counselor that said I had a slim chance to get help. I was devastated. Because I spent every cent I had on not being homeless, paying rent, I didn't qualify... which risked me going homeless without financial help! Then something changed and I got a different counselor that said things have changed & now they helped people like me. I cried my heart on the phone...there was hope. I did everything that was asked of me and finely got help. Thank you for pulling up my file that was scrapped, hanging on by a thread, and helping this disabled person not ending up on the street. I've had 18 surgeries can barely walk need more surgeries! and am 74yrs old this year. Thank you for the wonderful last councilor💖"

    C.C – ALAMEDA COUNTY TENANT

  • “Thank you to A1 services for helping me during these hard times. Everyone was very helpful with all the services that are provided. I will recommend these services to families and friends when needed.”

    ANONYMOUS – ALAMEDA COUNTY TENANT

  • “Honestly, I was very amazed about how professional and knowledgeable the counselors at A-1 CHS are. I had received such terrible service from Alameda Housing that I didn’t expect much. You all should be very proud of your organization. You are the real deal. I never felt like I was asking a dumb question. Your informational live workshop was very informative. A-1 CHS is serving the community well. Thank you!”

    MS. YAKUBU – ALAMEDA COUNTY TENANT

  • “Thank you so much for the help and for showing and proving that you really do care.”

    KARLA RODAS – ALAMEDA COUNTY TENANT

  • “I really don't know how to thank you all of you. you bring light and hope to our life. Thanks to you guys, I keep my apartment and I am not homeless.”

    NILOUFAR BADIE – ALAMEDA COUNTY TENANT

  • “I’m so happy I found your services, otherwise by now I probably be on the street homeless with my daughter, thank you very much.”

    MS. DE LA PENA – ALAMEDA COUNTY TENANT

  • “I have never in my life had anyone care so much in helping me when I was in dire need of assistance. Betsy Hernandez ERAP Application Coordinator was so outstanding in helping me understand that it is ok to ask for help when you need it. I am so used to being independent and I could have lost everything behind it. The entire staff was so kind, loving and caring and walked and talked me through the prevention of losing everything and allowing me to keep my dignity. I am forever grateful for caring enough to help me from becoming homeless. God bless A-1 Community housing services for helping me with my rent, PG&E, water and garbage so that I can live with heat and shelter.”

    MARIA ELIZONDO – ALAMEDA COUNTY TENANT

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A-1 Community Housing Services was honored to be selected as one of the partner agencies throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic in helping our Alameda County Residents stay housed. A-1 Community Housing Services joined the ERAP Application Processor program in the Fall of 2021.

What is Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)?

ERAP can serve renter households that have combined incomes less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) who meet the following conditions: Qualified for unemployment benefits or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to COVID-19; and demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Households with incomes that fall below 30% AMI will be prioritized.

Application submissions are not being accepted past May 13, 2022.

Meet Betsy Hernandez, your application coordinator. Betsy has been working one-on-one with families and residents in Alameda County to help submit their application for processing. 

Below is a snapshot of our work, by the numbers:

For more information or frequently asked questions please visit: https://www.ac-housingsecure.org/aboutus

A-1 Community Housing Services provides FREE one-on-one counseling sessions with a certified housing counselor to assist individuals and families assess their finances and provide tools and resources.

Rental counseling sessions cover:

  • Developing a budget

  • Strategies on how to manage finances

  • Consequences on falling behind on debt

  • Review of the credit report

  • Prioritizing debts

  • How to reduce debts and expenses

  • Strategies to rebuild credit

  • Tenant Rights and fair housing rights

  • Affordable housing resources

  • Resources to assist with utility bill and other rental support

Empower your future and schedule your appointment today!

Click here to complete your registration and schedule your counseling session today.