CLEARLAKE – As part of ongoing effort to help people being hit hard by the current economy, Catholic Charities plans to host an informational meeting on two federal government programs that can offer financial assistance.

The meeting will be held beginning at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 9, at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.

Catholic Charities Lake County Programs administers the programs, which are part of the federal government's stimulus bills to help people who live in Lake County and pay rent.

The programs cannot help people who own their homes, Catholic Charities reported. Mortgage assistance of any kind is not covered.

The programs can assist qualified Lake County residents who are experiencing hardship due to the current economy and/or a sudden loss of income.

The June 9 meeting will help explain who is most likely to qualify and how the application process works.

The programs can help people who:

• are in jeopardy of losing their current rental housing;

• need money to catch up on late rent payments;

• are at risk of homelessness or who are homeless and need help to re-enter housing;

• need help in paying past due utility bills.

To qualify residents must meet federal income guidelines, as well as requirements such as documentation of payments to landlords or utilities companies, and proof of legal residency.

All information and documentation is verified during the review process.

The programs are funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009/ Homeless Prevention and Rapid-Re-housing Program, and the Federal Emergency Shelter Grant for Lake County is funded by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), via the California Department of Housing & Community Development.

Due to limited space, reservations are required. Call Catholic Charities Lake County Programs at 707-987-8139.

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