Afghan Support and Investment Program (ASIP)
Refugee Programs Bureau (RPB)
Background
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) developed the Afghan Support and Investment Program (ASIP) to support the transition of recent Afghan newcomers to long-term housing and self-sufficiency in California following the implementation of Operation Allies Welcome in July 2021. ASIP is a supportive service that provides direct housing and utility assistance and support services to eligible households through the statewide administrator, Catholic Charities Dioceses of San Diego (CCDSD). Since its inception, ASIP has successfully served over 9,500 individuals and families in need of housing support, enabling them to stabilize their lives and embark on a path toward greater self-sufficiency.
Funding for ASIP is provided by the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s (ORR) Refugee Support Services (RSS) Afghan Supplemental federal awards funded by the Afghan Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022, and Additional Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022, and is administered by the state through the CDSS Refugee Programs Bureau (RPB).
CDSS RPB has compiled this webpage to provide details about the ASIP program and identify additional resources to support vulnerable Afghan households who seek alternate avenues of assistance.
General Program Information
The CDSS RPB developed ASIP to serve eligible Afghan newcomers and other eligible individuals paroled into the United States as well as citizens or nationals of Afghanistan for whom refugee and entrant activities are authorized (e.g., Special Immigrant Visa holders, refugees, asylees) due to urgent humanitarian reasons.
The RPB supports safe, equitable, and affordable housing options for newcomer populations. At present, excessive rent burdens – with ultimate consequences such as financial hardship, eviction, and even homelessness – are a daily reality for millions of households across the state, including refugee arrivals. Rental subsidies through ASIP are determined based on the immediacy of the applicant’s housing needs and level of instability. Housing support may include rental and utility assistance and security deposit. Every household is provided a structured rent subsidy amount in standard intervals, with a maximum benefit of 12 months. Income and progress towards independence will be reassessed every three months. Additionally, applicants may also receive light-touch case management to support their housing needs. To assist in working toward self-sufficiency, ASIP is tied to employment services. Potential ASIP clients are required to participate in certain employment service activities to receive ASIP housing support services.
As of July 1, 2024, ASIP is open to new applicants. The program was originally scheduled to end in September 2023; however, the program end date has been extended through May 31, 2025. No new applications are to be accepted after May 31, 2025.
Although no new applications can be accepted after May 31, 2025, payments and services may continue for eligible applicants who apply for the ASIP program on or before May 31, 2025. For applicants who are accepted prior to the application end date, services may continue until May 2026, unless applicants reach the maximum twelve months of assistance or until funds are fully expended, whichever comes sooner.
Applicants can find more detailed ASIP information on the Applicant Fact Sheet.
Service providers can find more detailed ASIP information on the Service Providers Fact Sheet.
Additional Resources
RPB recognizes newly arrived Afghans may need access to additional resources. The Resources for ASIP Applicants and Recipients document provides additional housing resources and other support services.
To apply for ASIP: Contact the Statewide ASIP Administrator, CCDSD, via email at ASIP@ccdsd.org or by phone at (619) 375-5200 ext. 2406.
General questions about ASIP can be directed to CDSS RPB at ASIP@dss.ca.gov.