200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Suite #733
Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: (714) 765-5094
Fax: (714) 765-5164
www.anaheim.net
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
DATE: MARCH 24, 2026
FROM: CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
SUBJECT: FUNDING UPDATE ON THE ANAHEIM CONTIGO PROGRAM
AND CONSIDER ESTABLISHING AN IMMIGRATION LEGAL
DEFENSE COMPONENT
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): NO ITEM # 28
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: NO
REQUESTED ACTION:
That the City Council, by Motion:
1. Receive an update on funding for the Anaheim Contigo program; and provide direction to staff on establishing an immigration legal defense component to support Anaheim residents, including the scope of services and contract amount; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with a nonprofit legal provider, in the estimated range of $50,000 to $100,000 depending on the scope and demand, to launch and implement the immigration legal defense component accordingly.
DISCUSSION:
At the February 24, 2026, City Council meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Leon requested an agenda item to consider replenishment of funds for the Anaheim Contigo program and consider options to establish a legal defense component to the program.
Anaheim Contigo Program
The Anaheim Contigo program, launched in July 2025, provides emergency assistance grants to help Anaheim residents with rent, utilities, groceries, and essential needs. The City Council approved funding for the program in the amount of up to $250,000 on a reimbursement basis to the Anaheim Community Foundation (ACF). Based on the Council’s direction, funding for the program would primarily come from housing resources and, once exhausted, from the General Fund. Under the current implementation, the Housing and Community Development Department’s Housing Trust provides reimbursement for rental assistance expenses, with any remaining expenses reimbursed by the General Fund.
Funding Update on the Anaheim Contigo Program and Consider Establishing an Immigration Legal Defense Component March 24, 2026
As of March 17, 2026, the Anaheim Contigo Program has received financial assistance requests totaling $225,262, leaving a remaining balance of $24,738 available for ongoing emergency requests. In total, 343 Anaheim residents have benefited from the program.
To ensure continued support for residents while minimizing impacts to the General Fund, the City is implementing additional programs and funding strategies. Beginning April 1, 2026, the Housing and Community Development Department will launch the “Stay Housed Anaheim Program”, which will provide one-time emergency rental assistance of up to $3,000 for Anaheim residents. This program will be funded entirely through the Housing Trust and will be available to all qualifying residents.
In addition, Anaheim Public Utilities will expand access to electrical and water bill assistance programs. Residents in need of support will be referred directly for utility bill assistance through existing programs.
The available fund balance for Contigo has increased due to the reallocation of Anaheim Public Utilities Contigo-identified accounts that had previously been billed. As a result of this reallocation, the Contigo fund balance is now $45,312 and will continue to be utilized for miscellaneous general expenses not covered by the two aforementioned programs. These expenses may include, but are not limited to, medical costs, phone bills, gas bills, and transportation-related needs.
Immigration Legal Defense Component
Since the inception of Anaheim Contigo, staff have received feedback indicating a need for legal defense for immigration-related matters. Staff conducted an informal Request for Proposals process, in accordance with Council Policy 4.1, and met with the following nonprofit legal providers to learn about the services they offer and the cities they contract with:
Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)
Immigrant Defenders
Public Law Center
Depending on the scope and demand, the preliminary estimate to launch the legal defense component ranges from $50,000 to $100,000. Staff is requesting further direction from Council to determine the scope of services and contract amount for legal services with a nonprofit organization. Should the City Council approve establishing a legal defense component, the City Manager will enter into an agreement with a qualified nonprofit legal provider and implement the component accordingly.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Should the City Council approve this item, sufficient appropriation exists within the City Administration Department's FY 2025/26 General Fund budget.
Funding Update on the Anaheim Contigo Program and Consider Establishing an Immigration Legal Defense Component March 24, 2026
Respectfully submitted, Concurred by,
Greg Garcia Sjany Larson-Cash
Interim City Manager Director of Community Service