Santa Monica Releases Practical Toolkit About Affordability

August 20, 2019 9:00 AM
by Erin Taylor

The City elevates its ongoing efforts to keep low- and moderate-income residents housed in light of the regional increase in homelessness.

The City of Santa Monica has launched a new toolkit focused on connecting people to the many City services and programs that have helped maintain the community’s commitment to affordability, especially as thousands across the region feel the strain of housing costs.

“Here in Santa Monica, nearly half of all households are considered cost-burdened; this means that, for many, housing eats up an unduly large potion of their income.  This creates a true affordability crisis for many,” said Gleam Davis. “It is imperative that individuals and families are aware of and have access to the resources that are available to them so that, if and when times are tough, they can remain in their home.” 

The Los Angeles region is considered one of the least affordable housing markets in the United States*, and with rising housing costs and stagnant wages, families are struggling to keep a roof over their head. In the recent Los Angeles County Homeless Count, it was reported that a quarter of the current homeless population found themselves unsheltered for the first time in their life just this past year.

“We know that when people are going through financial stress, finding the right program or service can be challenging,“ said Rick Cole, City Manager. “This toolkit is one of the many efforts to quickly connect people to helpful information, and ultimately alleviate the stress that so many families are experiencing today.”

This digital and print resource outlines the variety of services that the City of Santa Monica offers to tenants and landlords, including a breakdown of tenant’s rights and rent control, along with an overview of City departments that deal with housing-related issues. Simple and actionable, this toolkit is designed for everyone, no matter their role as tenant, landlord, homeowner, or developer.

The toolkit builds on the City’s ongoing commitment to affordability that is worked on every day in our City.  Just last week, City Council approved a $2 million expansion of the “Preserving Our Diversity” program to keep Santa Monicans housed.  This cash assistance program for seniors will expand to help a broader array of vulnerable Santa Monicans meet their basic needs.   

The affordability toolkit is part of the City’s broader initiative called We Are Santa Monica, an ongoing effort to connect Santa Monicans to vital resources, programs, and services offered throughout the city. We Are Santa Monica has previously released three toolkits that provide practical information surrounding homelessness and has participated in a number of community events.

The toolkit is available in both English and Spanish, and the digital version can be found at weare.santamonica.gov. If you would like a printed copy, please email communications@smgov.net.

Authored By

Erin Taylor
Senior Marketing Manager