In the midst of a housing crisis that continues to reshape the Bay Area, ECHO Housing has emerged as one of Alameda County’s most vital safety nets. Through its fair housing enforcement, rental assistance, mediation, and homebuyer education programs, ECHO Housing serves as a lifeline for renters and families facing uncertainty — offering not just temporary relief, but lasting empowerment.

A Shared Commitment to Housing Stability

Organizations like ECHO Housing play a crucial role in the housing ecosystem of Alameda County. Their staff are not only advocates — they are problem-solvers, educators, and community builders working daily to keep people housed and hopeful.

As the Alameda County Housing Provider Resource Center (ACHPRC) continues its weekly outreach at the Hayward Hall of Justice, we see firsthand how ECHO’s work extends beyond the courtroom. Many renters emerging from eviction hearings stop by our table seeking help. When they do, we often point them to ECHO Housing — where they’ll find people who listen, respond, and take action.

“We may not be able to fix everything,” said Corona, “but if we can keep one family from losing their home, that’s a victory worth fighting for.”

Together, ECHO Housing and ACHPRC represent two essential parts of the same housing ecosystem — one working with renters, the other supporting rental property owners — both striving toward the same goal: a stable, equitable, and compassionate housing environment for everyone in Alameda County.

Protecting Fair Housing and Equal Access

“When a client calls our office and says they’ve been treated unfairly, our job is to investigate and find the truth,” explained Angie Watson-Hajjem, Fair Housing Coordinator at ECHO. “Sometimes it’s a misunderstanding — other times it’s clear discrimination. Either way, people deserve to be treated with fairness and dignity when it comes to housing.”

ECHO’s Fair Housing Department investigates discrimination complaints based on race, color, religion, disability, family status, or source of income — including Section 8 vouchers. When a report comes in, Watson-Hajjem’s team doesn’t just take a statement; they conduct full investigations that may include interviews, document reviews, and a specialized process known as “testing”, in which trained volunteers pose as renters to detect patterns of bias.

“We use testing when we suspect someone’s being turned away because of who they are,” Watson-Hajjem said. “If a Black applicant is told there’s no vacancy, but a white applicant is shown the same unit minutes later, that tells us something. It gives us the evidence we need to take action.”

The Fair Housing team also provides training for property owners and managers, helping them stay compliant with California’s housing laws. “We’re not just about enforcement,” Watson-Hajjem added. “We also educate. Most landlords want to do the right thing once they understand the rules.”

Keeping Families Housed: Rental and Deposit Assistance

For renters struggling to make ends meet, ECHO’s rental assistance program offers a critical lifeline. Administered by Tanya Corona, the program helps Alameda County residents stay housed through one-time grants of up to $3,000.

“We assist tenants who are facing financial hardship — whether it’s job loss, reduced hours, or a medical emergency,” Corona explained. “It’s not an emergency program, but it can make the difference between keeping your home and getting an eviction notice.”

The program opens every Monday morning at 9 a.m., and demand is staggering. “I tell people it’s like calling a radio station to win concert tickets,” Corona lamented. “We can only take a few names each week, and the phone lines fill up fast. That’s how great the need is right now.”

In addition to rent help, ECHO offers deposit assistance for people securing new housing — a crucial service for those moving after eviction or displacement. “Many families can pay their monthly rent, but that upfront deposit keeps them locked out,” Corona said. “This program helps them cross that threshold into stability.”

Mediation and Renter-Property Owner Counseling

Not every housing conflict ends in court — and ECHO’s  counseling program works to keep it that way. Through mediation, education, and counseling, ECHO helps both renters and property owners resolve disputes before they escalate.

“Sometimes people just need to understand their rights,” said Corona. “Other times, it’s about bringing both sides together to talk it out. We’re here to make sure everyone is treated fairly and to find common ground where possible.”

According to Watson-Hajjem, mediation can be transformative: “We’ve seen cases where one conversation saves a tenancy. It’s about communication — not confrontation.”

Building Pathways to Homeownership

ECHO Housing also looks beyond crisis intervention to long-term stability. Every quarter, the organization hosts an eight-hour first-time homebuyer class, offering a deep dive into financial literacy, down payment assistance, and working with realtors and lenders.

“We want people to be ready — not just for the purchase, but for the responsibility of homeownership,” Watson-Hajjem said. “Education is empowerment.”

The Barriers Ahead: Rising Rents and Limited Resources

Despite these efforts, the challenges remain enormous. “The biggest issue we see right now is the high cost of rent,” Watson-Hajjem said. “People are working full time, sometimes two jobs, and still can’t keep up. We get hundreds of calls for rental assistance every Monday.”

Corona agreed, adding that simple habitability concerns — like broken heaters or mold — are growing issues. “We’re getting more calls about repairs not being done or people living with unsafe conditions,” she said. “Mold is a big one — it’s tricky because it’s not always clear who’s responsible, but tenants shouldn’t have to live like that.”

Watson-Hajjem noted that Section 8 discrimination continues to be a widespread problem. “Even though California law has prohibited voucher discrimination since 2020, we still get landlords saying, ‘We don’t take Section 8.’ That’s illegal,” she emphasized. “Education is key — both for tenants who need to know their rights and for landlords who need to follow the law.”

Learn More

  • ECHO Housing: echofairhousing.org
     Fair housing investigations, mediation, rental and deposit assistance, and homebuyer education.
  • Alameda County Housing Provider Resource Center

ACHPRC Table: Every Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. outside the Hayward Hall of Justice, Hayward.
Providing on-the-ground support for both rental property owners and renters seeking resources and guidance.