MIDDLETOWN – An information meeting describing two federal government programs that can help with financial assistance is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 9, at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.

Due to limited space, reservations are required; call 707-987-8139.

The programs are administered by Catholic Charities Lake County Programs, and are part of the federal government stimulus bills to help people who live in Lake County and pay rent.

The programs cannot help people who own their homes. The programs can assist qualified Lake County residents who are experiencing hardship due to the current economy and/or a sudden loss of income.

The June 9 meeting will help explain who is most likely to qualify and how the application process works.

The programs can help people who:

• are in jeopardy of losing their current rental housing;

• need money to catch up on late rent payments;

• are at risk of homelessness or who are homeless and need help to re-enter housing;

• need help in paying past due utility bills.

Mortgage assistance of any kind is not covered.

To qualify residents must meet federal income guidelines, as well as requirements such as documentation of payments to landlords or utilities companies, and proof of legal residency.

All information and documentation is verified during the review process.

The programs are funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009/Homeless Prevention and Rapid-Re-housing Program, and the Federal Emergency Shelter Grant for Lake County is funded by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), via California Department of Housing & Community Development.