Anti-Displacement Services
The City of East Palo Alto has appropriated up to $3,475,500.60 in anti-displacement services for East Palo Alto residents through the programs listed below. The Measure JJ Anti-Displacement Services Program reflects the City’s commitment to protecting residents from displacement and homelessness and to fulfilling the intent of Measure JJ, which was approved by voters in November 2024.
Legal Services and Unlawful Detainer Assistance
Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto (CLSEPA) and Legal Aid of San Mateo County (LASMC) provide legal counseling, advice, and representation for residents facing housing instability, eviction, discrimination, and unsafe living conditions. CLSEPA also offers support on immigration and consumer law matters, helping residents navigate complex legal challenges that may threaten housing stability.
• Housing intake line: (650) 422-2885
• General legal assistance: (650) 326-6440
• Website: clsepa.org
Rental Assistance
Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto (CLSEPA) provides legal counseling, advice, and representation for residents facing housing instability, eviction, discrimination, and unsafe living conditions. CLSEPA also offers support on immigration and consumer law matters, helping residents navigate complex legal challenges that may threaten housing stability.
• Housing intake line: (650) 422-2885
• General legal assistance: (650) 326-6440
• Website: clsepa.org
Samaritan House offers a wide range of housing-stability resources, including emergency assistance, shelter referrals, and direct rental assistance for income-qualified East Palo Alto tenants. These services are designed to help residents remain housed and avoid homelessness during periods of financial hardship.
• Phone: (650) 294-4312
• Website: samaritanhousesanmateo.org
WeHOPE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness achieve stability and self-sufficiency. In East Palo Alto, WeHOPE provides emergency shelter, meals, hygiene services, case management, and supportive services that connect residents to housing, employment, and long-term support systems.
• Phone: (650) 330-8000
• Website: wehope.org
Foreclosure Prevention
East Palo Alto Community Alliance and Neighborhood Development Organization (EPACANDO) is a community-based nonprofit focused on preserving and expanding affordable housing and preventing displacement in East Palo Alto. EPACANDO develops and manages affordable housing, administers housing programs, and provides financial counseling and technical assistance to renters and homeowners to help residents remain in their community. EPACANDO is administering a one-year Foreclosure Prevention Pilot Program to assist an East Palo Alto homeowner with foreclosure prevention. The City will determine after the one-year pilot how to best fund and support homeowners in East Palo Alto with foreclosure prevention needs.
• Phone: (650) 473-9838
• Website: epacando.org
What is Measure JJ?
On November 5, 2024, East Palo Alto voters approved Measure JJ, an amendment to the City’s existing 2.5% tax on gross rental receipts, with the primary goal of supporting anti-displacement and affordable housing efforts. Allowable Measure JJ uses include: 1) at least 30% for tenant rental assistance; 2) up to 20% for the City’s administrative and overhead costs to manage the programs; and 3) the remaining revenue may, at the City Council’s discretion, be used for affordable homeownership, affordable housing preservation, tenant support, and anti-displacement and homelessness prevention. Measure JJ also requires City Council to periodically review housing policy, housing programs, and related issues to determine how and to what extent the city should establish and fund such programs.
The projected annual revenue from Measure JJ in Fiscal Year 2025-2026 is approximately $1,705,990. This estimate is based on the City’s business license administrator’s projections.
In October 2025, the City of East Palo Alto released a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified organizations to provide legal services, tenant advocacy and education, and financial assistance as part of the City’s anti-displacement efforts. In early 2026, the City entered into agreements with the above-mentioned community-based organizations selected through the RFP to deliver anti-displacement services to East Palo Alto residents. The rental assistance and legal services will be provided for a three-year term, through January 2029 and a total annual amount of over $1.1 million.
