HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.15.21 Rental Assistance Program Goes LIVE TODAY at 5pm
From:Boston, Shelby
To:Alpert, Bruce;Bennett, Robin;Clerk of the Board;Connelly, Bill;Cook, Holly;Cook, Robin;Kimmelshue, Tod;
Lucero, Debra;Paulsen, Shaina;Pickett, Andy;Ring, Brian;Ritter, Tami;Rodas, Amalia;Sweeney, Kathleen;
Teeter, Doug
Cc:Pickett, Andy;Ring, Brian;Kim, Sang
Subject:Rental Assistance Program Goes LIVE TODAY at 5pm
Date:Monday, March 15, 2021 12:50:10 PM
Attachments:CA COVID-19 Talking Points_ENGLISH.pdf
Good Afternoon Supervisors,
You may recall I have discussed recently the Emergency Rental Assistance Program with you. As of
today at 5pm, applications may be accepted via the portal at www.housingiskey.com We will be
releasing a press release later today to announce how the public can learn more. In addition, over
the coming days, the County will be sharing additional information publically. I am attaching talking
points for your use in case constituents phone you. Locally, Caring Choices 530-899-3873 is the only
approved non-profit at this time to assist the public with the application process. I do anticipate the
State will enter into agreements with at least two additional organizations in the coming weeks.
As always please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Shelby Boston, MSW
Director
Public Guardian/Public Administrator
Butte County Dept. of Employment and Social Services
202 Mira Loma Blvd. Oroville, CA 95965
T: 530.538.7891| F: 530.534.5745
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CA COVID-19 Rent ReliefProgram – Talking Points
Background: California leads nation in assistance and protectionfor renters
Governor Newsom signed SB 91, establishing the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program, allocating $2.6 billion
in federal rent assistance.
SB 91 extends eviction protections to June 30, 2021.
These efforts will enable low-incomehouseholds most impactedby the pandemic to stay in their homes
and prevent displacement which will be crucial to an equitable recovery.
Overview: Program supports housing stability for most vulnerable
CA COVID-19 Rent Relief provides financial assistance to income-qualified renters experiencing housing
instability.
The program provides rent reimbursement to landlords for unpaid rent accrued between April 1, 2020 and
March 31, 2021.
Landlords are eligible to receive 80% of unpaid rent, as long as they agree to waive the remaining 20% of
unpaid rent.
Eligible renters whose landlords don’t participate in the program can still receive 25% of unpaid rent
accrued between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021.
Paying the 25% of past due rent by June 30, 2021 can help keep you in your home under the extended
eviction protections provided in SB91.
Eligible renters can also receive future rent assistance equal to 25% of their monthly rent.
Verify eligibility and apply starting March 15, 2021 at HousingIsKey.com.
Qualification Criteria: Relief provided to both eligible landlords and renters
Landlords who have one or more eligible renters who have unpaid rent accrued from April 1, 2020 through
March 31, 2021.
Renters who are at or below 80% of the Area Median Income, who have incurred a financial hardship due
to COVID-19 and are experiencing housing instability.
If eligible, either a landlord or a renter can initiate the application process.
Applicants will not be asked about their citizenship, nor will they be required to show proof of citizenship.
The CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program is available to all eligible applicants starting Monday, March 15,
however applications submitted from households at the greatest risk of eviction will be prioritized first.
o Greatest risk of eviction is understood based on a renter’s ability to pay the minimum 25% rent
owed, the household’s AMI, and if the household is located in an area disproportionately
impacted by Covid-19.
Resources Available: Person-centered program helps eligible households get helpquickly
Resources and application information are available at HousingIsKey.com.
A statewide network of local community partners has been established to help answer eligibility questions
and submit applications. A list is available at HousingIsKey.com.
A CA COVID-19 Rent Relief call center is available to get help answering eligibility questions,for application
assistance, and to provide information on local assistance: 1-833-430-2122 between 7 am and 7 pm daily.
How to Apply
Renters and landlords can determine eligibility and apply for funds directly at HousingIsKey.com.
If you don’t have access to the internet, you can call the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Call Center, 1-833-430-
2122 for information on the help center nearest to you to help you access an application.