Frequently asked questions

Let us answer some questions for you.

  • Yes, you must live in LA County.

  • We offer loans from $500 to $2,500.

  • We only give loans to keep people in their housing, so this includes:

    • Past due rent

    • Utilities

  • Yes. Our mission is to assist the most vulnerable residents and help keep people in their homes. In order to be eligible, you must be considered low-income (below 50% adjusted median income for Los Angeles County), and be at risk of losing your housing in the next 30 days due to a recent financial hardship. We also evaluate your current and future income to ensure that a loan is the right solution for you and to verify your ability to make future loan payments.

    We have a limited amount of funds available, so you are not guaranteed a loan if you meet these requirements. If you meet the requirements above, you will be entered into a lottery where you will have a chance of being selected for a loan.

  • Our goal is to provide loans to people who are at risk of losing their housing, regardless of immigration status.

  • The process is designed to be easy and flexible to meet your needs. The first step is to apply here to find out if you are eligible. Once the application and supporting documentation are submitted, you will be asked to complete a 20 minute verification call over video with a friendly member of our team. Our team will be available via email or phone to answer any questions throughout the process. Completing the application process does not guarantee you will be given a loan. Because we have a limited number of loans we can give out, if you are eligible for a loan, you will be entered into a lottery that will determine who is selected for a loan. Our goal is to help you stay in your home.

  • Loans are approved within a matter of days. The length of time it takes is mainly dependent on how quickly you submit your material.

  • ease ensure you have the following documents ready:

    1. Financial Hardship Document (this should explain why you fell behind on rent)

    2. Income 

    3. Eviction Notices 

    4. Identification

  • Repayments start 60 days after the loan is approved.

  • You can repay your loan by cash, debit card, or through your bank account.

  • If we are unable to offer you a loan, this is no fault of your own. We have limited funds and are unable to serve everyone. To be fair to all applicants, we select eligible applicants for a loan through a randomized lottery. Every applicant has the same chance of being chosen.

    There are a number of other local resources where you may be able to receive help. We’ve included some options for you to consider below:

    • LA City Housing - Los Angeles Housing Department

    • The Housing Rights Center, outreach@housingrightscenter.org can help you with CA Rent Relief options

    • HOPICS - Outreach program that provides a drop-in center with benefits assistance, flex funds, and rental assistance help and resources

    • Step Up - Housing services, rental/deposit assistance, mental health services

    • St. Margaret's Center - Emergency services including short-term hotel vouchers, shelter, rent assistance) and up to $100 for gas bills.

    • FreeFrom - Cash assistance program, financial management, and lending circles

    • Chrysalis - Employment agency for low-income individuals

    If you have any questions about the process please contact us at stepfund@betterangels.la

Ready to Apply?

Let us help you make a step towards stability.