top of page

Housing Assistance for Ukrainians

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) developed the Housing Assistance for Ukrainians (HAU) program to support the transition of recent Ukrainian arrivals and non-Ukrainian individuals displaced from Ukraine to long-term housing and self-sufficiency in California.

Best for:

Clients & Community

General Program Information

The CDSS RPB developed HAU to serve Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees (UHPs) and other eligible individuals paroled into the United States between February 24, 2022, and September 30, 2024 (extended from the original end date of September 30, 2023) due to urgent humanitarian reasons. UHPs who came to the United States independently, as well as parolees processed under the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services program, Uniting for Ukraine, may be served through the HAU program.

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 HAU may be dispensed for a maximum of six months, covering up to 50 percent of the monthly rental cost for the applicant, with a maximum benefit of $10,000 over the entire program duration. The program also offers assistance with deposits and utilities. Additionally, applicants may also receive light-touch case management to support their housing needs. To assist in working toward self-sufficiency, HAU now requires potential clients to participate in certain employment service activities to receive housing support services.

The program was originally scheduled to end on September 30, 2024; however, the program end date has been extended through September 30, 2025. No new applications are to be accepted after September 30, 2025.

Although no new applications can be accepted after this updated end date of September 30, 2025, payments and services may continue for eligible applicants who apply for the HAU program on or before September 30, 2025. For these applicants who are accepted prior to the September 30, 2025 end date, services may continue until March 2026, unless applicants reach the maximum six months of assistance as it is described in Refugee Coordinator Letter (RCL) 23-03, or until funds are fully expended, whichever comes sooner.

Applicants can find more detailed HAU information on the Applicant Fact Sheet

Program Administrators and service providers can find more detailed HAU information on the Administrators and Service Providers Fact Sheet

Resource Type
Category

Available Languages

English

Relevant Populations

Ukrainian

Immigration Status

Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees

Date

Updated

June 20, 2025

April 2, 2025

bottom of page