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first and last month's rent and security deposit are a large barrier to low-income households who have difficulty making ends meet at the end of the month. Any crisis such as job loss, health emergency, and alcohol or drug (AOD) problems can cause the household to begin the spiral into homelessness. Rental assistance programs are part of the County's efforts to keep individuals and families in housing. Most of these rental subsidies are directed specifically at populations with disabilities who tend to be more at risk than other populations of losing their housing. HCD is funded directly by HUD for Project Independence, a Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Special Project of National Significance which provides shallow rental assistance and accessibility modifications to people living with HIV/AIDS throughout Alameda CQUnty. Prevention activities need to be expanded in programs that provide short-term rental assistance, rental guarantees, move-in costs, and long term rental assistance such as Section 8 to homeless and very low income people. It is usually less expensive and far less disruptive to the family to prevent an individual from becoming homeless than to help them once they are homeless. Most of the programs providing rental subsidies also provide support services that deal with issues, such as addiction, depression, health problems and unstable employment, which can also lead to the loss of housing. Objectives Continue to support public service agencies that assist individuals and households who are at risk of becoming homeless. Accomplishments Tenant/Landlord Counseling Use CDBG funds to contract with Eden Council for Hope and Opportunity (ECHO Housing), a qualified service provider for tenant/landlord counseling services. ECHO Housing provides outreach to San Leandro tenants and rental property owners and managers on their legal rights and responsibilities, mediation services, and information and referral on housing law issues in order to prevent unlawful evictions or illegal tenant actions. It is estimated that the City will be able to provide counseling for 1,000 persons over the next five (5) years. Rental Assistance Program (RAP) Use City funds, such as CDBG, to contract with Eden Council for Hope and Opportunity (ECHO Housing) for its Rental Assistance Program (RAP). The program assists residents with move-in costs or delinquent rent due to a temporary financial setback. RAP assists by arranging a guaranteed repayment contract between the tenant and the landlord. Approximately thirty-five (35) households will be assisted over the next five (5) years. Geographic Distribution All programs listed are available to residents of the City of San Leandro. DRAFT Housing and Community Development Strategic Plan - FY 2010-14 City of San Leandro Page l6