$17M Relief Program Approved For Needy Santa Cruz County Renters

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Nearly $17 million in federal dollars will benefit low-income renters across Santa Cruz County, the county Board of Supervisors decided Tuesday.

The funding will benefit those in cities and unincorporated areas alike. Money can be put toward rent, utilities and other housing costs, including owed rent and utilities, according to a news release from the county.

The announcement marks a significant increase in financial aid for local renters impacted by the pandemic. Previously, the county had set aside about $1 million of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security funding for a similar program.

Eligible households will have:

• at least one person who lost their job/lost out on some work as a result of the pandemic, or is at risk of homelessness/housing instability; and
• a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income (about $82,000 countywide); and
• not received rental assistance through another program

Households earning 50 percent or less of AMI will be prioritized, the county said.

Landlords that agree to participate in the program must be willing to accept 80 percent of overdue rent from April 1 to March 31 and accept the money as payment in full. Landlords that decline to participate can receive up to 25 percent of backrent.

County officials expect to launch the program in March, at which time renters in need may submit applications here through the state, the county said.