Refugee Housing Support Program
Introduction
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) developed the Refugee Housing Support Program (RHSP) to support the transition of newly-arrived eligible refugees and other eligible Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) populations to long-term housing and self-sufficiency in California. RHSP is a supportive service that provides direct housing and utility assistance and support services to eligible households through partnerships with eight refugee-impacted county leads. For information on the policies authorizing this assistance, refer to ORR Policy Letter 24-03 which was recently revised on January 23, 2025. If you are seeking to apply for RHSP, please scroll down this page for instructions.
CDSS Refugee Programs Bureau (RPB) has compiled this webpage to provide details about the RHSP program and identify additional resources to support vulnerable ORR-eligible households who seek alternate avenues of assistance.
General Program Information
The CDSS RPB developed RHSP to serve newly arrived eligible refugees (and other eligible ORR populations) with ORR eligibility beginning on or after October 1, 2024.
The RPB supports safe, equitable, and affordable housing options for newcomer populations. At present, excessive rent burdens-- potentially leading to consequences such as financial hardship, eviction, and even homelessness – are a daily reality for millions of households across the state, including refugee arrivals. Rental and utility subsidies through RHSP may be dispensed for a maximum of twelve months, covering up to 100 percent of the monthly rental cost for the applicant. The program also can assist with initial security deposits. Additionally, applicants may also receive light-touch case management to support their housing needs. To assist in working toward self-sufficiency, RHSP requires potential clients to participate in employment service activities to receive housing support services.
Applicants can find more detailed information on RHSP on the Applicant Fact Sheet.
Service providers can find more detailed RHSP information on the Service Providers Fact Sheet.
For complete program guidance on the RHSP, please reference the following Refugee Coordinator Letter 24-10.
Additional Resources
Applicants and service providers can find additional resources on housing and other support services, on the Resources Fact Sheet.
To apply for RHSP:
If you reside in an impacted county, contact the County Refugee Coordinator: County administrators in Alameda, Los Angeles, Orange, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Clara, and Stanislaus Counties may be reached via their respective County Refugee Coordinator office using this directory.
General questions: If you have any questions regarding RHSP, you may contact the RPB at RHSP@dss.ca.gov.