Santa Cruz launches emergency rent assistance program - Santa Cruz Sentinel

SANTA CRUZ – The city’s Economic Development Department has partnered with the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County to foster the Emergency Eviction Prevention Program as the world enters the ninth month of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program provides an opportunity for Santa Cruz residents to apply for emergency rent assistance to help offset their overdue rent bills since April. The program will provide applications with two months of assistance with a maximum of $2,500 per month and $5,000 per household.

“It’s important because there’s a lot of folks that are struggling because of the pandemic and need this assistance,” said Housing and Community Development Manager Jessica de Wit of the program. “Were trying to provide a bridge so people can continue to stay housed.”

Nearly 50 million people experienced joblessness as a result of the pandemic in May, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That number has gone down to about 11.1 million people in October. However, the impacts have been felt financially across the country.

State-level government leaders have consistently implemented measures to help U.S. citizens during this time of need, particularly measures that prevent people from being evicted.

California Gov. Gavin Newsome signed a bill in September that would protect Californians from eviction for nonpayment of rent until Jan. 31, 2021. However, the bills are still due whether it’s now or later.

“The eviction moratorium prevents landlords from evicting tenants because they can’t pay, but eventually they have to pay. In the end, the money is still owed,” said Tiffany Lake, a principal management analyst at the Economic Development Department. “This is going to offset the money that is still owed.”

Providing rent help not only helps people who are struggling during a national crisis, but makes it easier for the city, county and the state to fight homelessness, as well.

“One of the best ways to fight homelessness is homelessness prevention. This money goes a long way to trying to help people stay in housing,” Lake said. “From a financial perspective, there are a lot of studies that show keeping people housed is more cost-effective.”

Applicants are only eligible if they have a Santa Cruz address, live in a low-income household and lost their income or had a reduction of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, applicants must have past due rent with no other means to pay late bills.

The application period began Thursday and the deadline is Nov. 24. Those in need can apply for emergency rental assistance at cityofsantacruz.com on the Economic Development page under Housing Assistance Information.

Applicants are asked to provide proof of reduced or lost income, proof of residence, proof of past due rent and a copy of their lease or rental agreement. For information, call 831-457-1741.

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