Fedral Moneys to Help with Housing and Addressing Homelessness in the Community

The federal government has allocated significant funds to address housing needs and homelessness in our community. $10 million was allocated for emergency rental assistance.

This funding will provide crucial support to those struggling to pay rent and facing eviction. It's a vital lifeline for individuals and families on the brink of homelessness.

The goal of this initiative is to help people stay in their homes and get back on their feet. By providing temporary financial assistance, we can prevent a downward spiral into homelessness.

These funds will be distributed through local non-profits and government agencies, ensuring that the support reaches those who need it most.

There are several types of assistance available to help with housing costs. The Statewide Rental Assistance Voucher Program in Maryland provides vouchers and housing assistance payments for low-income families on a waiting list under the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program.

To be eligible, a family must live in Maryland, be on a federal Housing Choice Voucher program waiting list, and meet low-income eligibility limits. Priority for vouchers is given to families with a minor child, foster child, military veteran, or individual experiencing homelessness.

In areas with a local PHA, the PHA administers the program, while in areas without a local PHA, the DHCD acts as the local PHA. Housing assistance payments can continue for up to 5 years or until the family becomes eligible for housing under the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Funding for rental assistance is limited, resulting in a wait list. The San Diego Housing Commission, for example, has a wait list with an average wait time of over 15 years. More than half of their rental assistance households are seniors or individuals with disabilities.

Here are some key facts about the types of assistance available:

The Statewide Rental Assistance Voucher Program in Maryland provides vouchers and housing assistance payments for low-income families on a federal Housing Choice Voucher program waiting list.

To be eligible, a family must live in Maryland, be on a federal Housing Choice Voucher program waiting list, and meet low-income eligibility limits.

Priority for vouchers is given to families that include a minor child, a foster child between 18 and 24 years old, a military veteran, individual experiencing homelessness, a disabled individual, or an elderly individual.

In Maryland, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers the program, with local PHAs handling it in areas with a local PHA.

Housing assistance payments can continue for up to 5 years, or until the family becomes eligible for housing under the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program.

SDHC also offers several special programs that provide housing opportunities at specific developments and/or for low-income households with specific needs.

The VA San Diego Healthcare System provides clinical health and case management services to participants in the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program, which partners with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide rental assistance to veterans who experience chronic homelessness.

A portion of SDHC's federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher resources fund these special programs.

Here's a breakdown of the special programs offered by SDHC:

To be eligible for federal rental assistance, you must live or work in the City of San Diego and have an annual income less than 80 percent of San Diego's Area Median Income (AMI).

The eligibility criteria also include individuals and families with disabilities, low-income seniors age 62 or older, veterans and active-duty military, and homeless families and individuals.

You can find a list of eligible individuals and groups below:

The process of receiving federal rental assistance involves finding your own housing in the private market, and working with a landlord who agrees to rent property that meets certain federal standards.

If you're looking to see if you qualify for SDHC assistance, the eligibility criteria are pretty straightforward. You must live or work in the City of San Diego.

To be eligible, your annual income must be less than 80 percent of San Diego's Area Median Income (AMI). This is a key factor in determining your eligibility.

Veterans and active-duty military personnel are also eligible for SDHC assistance. This is a great benefit for those who have served our country.

Low-income seniors age 62 or older can also qualify for SDHC assistance. This can be a huge help for seniors who are on a fixed income.

Individuals with disabilities are also eligible for SDHC assistance. This can provide much-needed support for those who are struggling to make ends meet.

Homeless families and individuals can also receive SDHC assistance. This is a critical lifeline for those who are facing housing instability.

Here are the specific income limits for SDHC eligibility:

Keep in mind that these income limits are subject to change, so it's always best to check with SDHC for the most up-to-date information.

SDHC has committed more than 4,300 federal rental housing vouchers to address homelessness in the City of San Diego. These vouchers are part of HOUSING FIRST – SAN DIEGO, SDHC’s homelessness action plan.

The HOUSING FIRST – SAN DIEGO plan focuses on providing permanent housing to individuals and families in need.

SDHC's commitment to addressing homelessness is a significant step towards providing stability and security to those struggling to find a place to call home.

FHLB Dallas has awarded nearly $100 million in grants through its Affordable Housing Program to help communities build affordable housing.

These grants are being used by members and community organizations to enhance their communities, as seen in the stories of those who have received funding.

In the Dallas area, members and community organizations are using AHP funds to make a real difference in the lives of those in need.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a vital tool for local communities to revitalize and develop their neighborhoods. The City of Richmond received $4,462,031 in CDBG Program funding for FY20.

This program has been running continuously since 1974, making it one of the longest-running programs of its kind. The CDBG program addresses a wide range of community development needs, including housing and neighborhood revitalization, economic development, public facilities, planning, and public services.

Community Development Block Grant funds are the largest block of financial resources available to the City for housing and community development activities. These flexible funds are provided on an annual basis to carry out a wide range of community activities.

The CDBG program focuses on increasing the number of affordable housing units for low and moderate-income residents. The program also aims to prevent or eliminate slums and blight, and meet urgent needs in cases of natural disasters or other emergencies.

CDBG funds can be used for various activities, including the acquisition of real property, relocation and demolition, and the rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures. They can also be used for public services, energy conservation, and economic development and job creation/retention activities.

Here are some examples of CDBG activities:

All CDBG activities must meet a Broad National Objective (BNO), which falls into three primary categories: providing a benefit to low to moderate-income persons, preventing or eliminating slums and blight, and meeting an urgent need.

The Family Unification Program is a vital initiative that helps families with children at risk of out-of-home placement or separation due to inadequate housing.

This program is administered through a collaboration between SDHC and San Diego County child welfare agencies, showing a commitment to tackling the root causes of family separation.

A key aspect of the program is that it's based on referrals, ensuring that those who need it most are able to access the support they require.

By providing rental housing vouchers, families can finally have a stable and secure place to call home, giving them a chance to rebuild and strengthen their relationships.

San Diego has taken a significant step in protecting tenants by implementing the Source-of-Income Protection Ordinance.

This ordinance, which became enforceable on August 1, 2019, adds Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance as a protected source of income.

Landlords in San Diego can no longer decline a tenant based solely on their household receiving rental assistance from any federal, state, local, or nonprofit-administered benefit or subsidy program.

However, landlords still have the right to screen and select tenants based on valid rental criteria.

If you're a tenant in San Diego and have questions about this ordinance, there's a hotline you can call: (833) 801-4420.

You can also reach out via email at [email protected].

For more information, check out the Frequently Asked Questions, Upcoming Training Sessions, and Brochure provided by the Legal Aid Society of San Diego (LASSD).