County receives over $16m in rent relief funding
Residents who’ve struggled to keep up with rent payments may be eligible for new federal rental assistance.
Residents who’ve struggled to keep up with rent payments during the pandemic, and landlords who’ve taken a financial hit this last year, may be eligible for new federal rental assistance, aimed to support those most vulnerable in Santa Cruz County.
As a result of a spending bill passed by Congress in December — which allocated $25 billion for rent relief — Santa Cruz County is set to receive more than $16 million in funds to assist low-income renters and landlords. The “CA COVID Rent Relief” gives priority to those households who make 50% or less of median income in the Santa Cruz area. Still, those who earn up to 80% of average regional income are eligible to apply.
If an application is approved, local landlords could receive 80% of each tenant’s unpaid rental payments accrued from April 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021.
Residents must be able to supply information on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted them financially to receive aid, according to Jason Hoppin, Santa Cruz County communications manager. That includes proving one renter is eligible for unemployment, and could also include documenting a pay reduction, increase in cost-of-living, or a financial hardship that came as a result of the pandemic.
“There is obviously a great need to support people in the pandemic…our recovery is only just beginning, even though the pandemic is getting towards the end,” Hoppin said. “There’s a lot more work to do once we get everyone vaccinated and that includes getting everyone back on their feet — this is an important step in that direction.”
The federal aid comes nearly two months after Gov. Gavin Newsom extended the state eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021. Hoppin said local landlords have also been hurting during the pandemic.
“A lot of these landlords locally are mom and pop landlords who did rely on this for their income, so
this will help them as well,” Hoppin said.
Local nonprofits Community Bridges and Community Action Board as well as organizations such as the Conflict Resolution Center will be available to help renters and landlords through the application process.
“All of the partners are currently preparing systems to triage resources across our community. We ask the public to be patient as we put processes in place
to effectively implement this program,” wrote Amy Hanley, a spokesperson with Community Bridges, in an email.