Housing Programs

Housing Programs Overview

The mission of the Housing Program is to foster the creation of high-quality affordable housing at all income levels and for a variety of needs. The Housing staff administers housing policy and programs, and offers information about affordable housing opportunities in the City of El Cerrito.

In August 2017, the City Council adopted the City’s first Affordable Housing Strategy. The Strategy identified four policy pillars, with associated strategies, action items and timelines to proactively achieve the City’s affordable housing goals to protect, produce and preserve housing. Click to view a summary of the policies identified in the Strategy.
 

Click to learn more about community housing resources:

  • Look up resources for finding affordable housing in El Cerrito.
  • Find help with housing issues such as foreclosure or tenant/landlord counseling.
  • Find housing-related City documents.
  • Contact us with another housing-related question

Affordable HOUSING NEWS

Events: Workshops and Webinars

Affordable Housing Month Graphic
MAY IS AFFORDABLE HOUSING MONTH!

Come learn more by participating in events across the Bay Area region to celebrate Affordable Housing Month at www.affordablehousingmonth.org

Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services
First Time Homebuyer Workshop
June 2, 2023, 6pm – 8pm 
If you are considering homeownership in the Bay Area, this workshop has been designed for you. To register, click here or visit www.richmondnhs.org.

ECHO Housing
Fair Housing Training 
June 9, 2023, 10AM – 12PM 
ECHO invites you to a training for renters, property owners, housing service providers and the general public. To register, click here or visit www.echofairhousing.org/events. 

First-Time Homebuyer Workshop
June 17, 2023, 9AM – 5PM 
This virtual workshop will help you determine if you are ready for homeownership, how to select a lender and shop for a home, all about closing costs, and how to be a successful homeowner. Visit www.echofairhousing.org/events to reserve your space.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING WAITLIST OPPORTUNITIES

The Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa: The Project Based Voucher Waiting List for several properties located in Contra Costa County will open beginning June 12, 2023 until June 29, 2023.  This opening is NOT for the Housing Choice Voucher Program but for Project Based Voucher assisted units in the properties listed on the attached flyer ONLY. The linked flyers in English and Spanish provide the details for the opening. Please visit the Housing Authority website www.contracostaha.org or click here to apply.

Click to view May 2023 Affordable Housing Opportunities – All Bay Area Counties (Courtesy of www.openhousesf.org)

East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation Logo
The East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBALC) currently has waitlist openings for several properties in the East Bay. Please visit https://ebaldc.org/how-to-apply/ to learn more. 

Click for Home Match, Contra Costa County: Find an affordable home in the community you love with Home Match. Browse their Available Rooms Catalogs for Contra Costa, Alameda, Marin, and San Francisco. If you see something of interest, contact Home Match at 925-956-7385 or homematchcontracosta@frontporch.net.

Click to subscribe to our Community Development e-Newsletter and learn about future affordable housing opportunities.

ACCESSING HOMELESS SERVICES IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

Click to learn how to access homeless services or call 211.


TENANT PROTECTIONS: 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Click to visit Contra Costa Housing Services Collaborative, which offers comprehensive housing services, including tenant/landlord counseling as well as fair housing to County residents at no cost. For legal consultation or representation, please contact Centro Legal at CCTR@centrolegal.org or 510-437-1554.

INCLUSIONARY HOUSING PROGRAM
On May 15, 2018, the City Council adopted an Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance as identified in the 2017 Affordable Housing Strategy. The Ordinance is effective June 14, 2018 and applies to new development that does not already have completed applications by the effective date. Inclusionary zoning requires new market-rate residential projects to set aside between 10% - 12% of its units for low to moderate-income households or the option of paying an in-lieu fee to the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. In-lieu fees are earmarked for future affordable housing development opportunities.

Please contact Aissia Ashoori, Affordable Housing Analyst, at 510.215.4361 for more information.

Developer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)