Housing & Utility Assistance

Housing Help When You Need It Most.

Balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities can be challenging, especially when housing or utility costs become overwhelming. To help support our students, we’ve compiled a list of trusted local and state programs that offer rental assistance, housing support, and utility relief.

Whether you’re facing temporary financial hardship, at risk of losing housing, or simply need help managing monthly expenses, these resources are here to provide guidance, stability, and peace of mind while you continue your education.

For any additional questions, reach out to Alek Oei at aoei@ich.edu.

Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The LIHEAP program helps eligible, low-income households cover utility costs—such as electric, gas, or cooling bills—and may provide assistance in cases of crisis or imminent disconnection. For Pasadena Water & Power customers, credits toward utility bills are offered through local partners like the Maravilla Foundation.

Housing Rights Center (HRC)

The Housing Rights Center offers free housing counseling, education, and advocacy to help you understand your rights as a tenant, prevent unlawful evictions or housing discrimination, and resolve landlord-tenant disputes. If you’re worried about losing housing or need legal guidance, HRC is a resource you can call.

Friends In Deed (EPRA – Eviction Prevention & Rental Assistance)

Through its Eviction Prevention & Rental Assistance Program (EPRA), Friends In Deed provides short-term rental aid to those at risk of homelessness. They also help with housing navigation, budgeting support, and referrals to other services to help stabilize living situations.

EZ-SAVE Program (LADWP)

EZ-SAVE is a discount program for income-qualified customers served by the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power. While it focuses on utility cost relief, lowering those expenses can help free up money for rent or housing costs. You don’t need to provide proof of income initially to enroll.

California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)

CARE offers a 30–35% discount on electricity and a 20% discount on natural gas for eligible low-income households. If you already qualify for certain public benefit programs or meet income guidelines, you can apply to reduce your utility burden and make housing more affordable.

Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA)

FERA is designed for households whose income is just above the CARE limits. It offers an 18% discount on electricity bills, making it a helpful option for families that don’t qualify for CARE but still need utility cost relief.