Pilot — Prescribed Housing

Because Healing Shouldn't Cost You a Home

No one fighting cancer should have to choose between affording treatment and keeping a roof over their head. Yet, in Santa Clara County, one of the most expensive housing markets in the nation, this is the reality for many patients. At Latinas Contra Cancer, we recognize that housing is healthcare, especially for low-income cancer patients who are already carrying the burden of treatment, loss of income, and systemic racial and economic inequities.

Our Prescribed Housing pilot program addresses this crisis directly by providing financial housing support and case management to cancer patients experiencing housing instability as a result of their diagnosis and loss of income. This program serves as a critical preventative intervention rooted in health justice, ensuring that no one falls through the cracks during their most vulnerable time.

Latino families in Santa Clara County are disproportionately affected by both cancer and housing insecurity. Despite making up 27% of the population, they represent 43.7% of the County’s unhoused population, and 70% of families experiencing homelessness are Latino. Cancer patients often fall through the cracks of existing housing assistance programs like the Homelessness Prevention System (HPS), which aren’t designed to accommodate the unique needs of those undergoing intensive treatment. Without housing security, patients face worse health outcomes, higher stress, and unnecessary barriers to healing.

In partnership with Santa Clara Valley Medical Center’s Sobrato Cancer Center, Prescribed Housing offers:

Direct financial assistance to help pay for rent or avoid eviction
Ongoing case management tailored to housing stability during cancer treatment
Navigation of local housing resources, tenant protections, and public assistance programs
Advocacy and referrals for other urgent needs such as food, childcare, or transportation
A compassionate, culturally competent approach grounded in our deep knowledge of the community and the systems that impact it

Prescribed Housing is our response to a health and racial justice emergency.

Eligibility & Access

This program is currently available to:

Cancer patients who are receiving treatment through Santa Clara Valley Medical Center’s Sobrato Cancer Center

Cancer patients experiencing housing instability as a result of their diagnosis and loss of income

To access services, speak with your healthcare provider or social worker at the Sobrato Cancer Center for a referral. If you're not sure where to start, contact us directly for guidance and screening.