City of Santa Monica Supports over 600 Households Impacted by COVID-19 with Rent Relief
December 22, 2020 11:02 AM
As we close out 2020, the City of Santa Monica is pleased to share that over 600 households experiencing economic hardship due to COVID-19 have been supported with temporary rent relief using a combination of federal Community Development Block Grants, CARES Act funding, and City General Funds totaling $2.8 million. The program was initially set to support approximately 300 households with an initial fund allocation of $1.86 million. In October, the City received an additional $1 million in CARES Act funding and was able to reach additional households with a total of over 600 supported.
“Santa Monica’s rent relief and food pantry have provided welcome comfort in 2020 for families who have been significantly impacted by COVID-19,” said Mayor Sue Himmelrich. “We will continue to pursue all possible avenues to lift up our most fragile Santa Monicans in every way we can.”
The financial support provided includes up to three months of rent or a maximum of $5,000. The households served include individuals, seniors, and families with young children. Santa Monica’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program focuses on preventing evictions and covers rent due after the local Santa Monica eviction moratorium expires. It also aligns with the City’s Economic Recovery Task Force focused on developing and supporting measures to help Santa Monica businesses and residents recover during and after this unprecedented crisis.
To learn more about Santa Monica’s eviction moratorium, visit santamonica.gov/coronavirus-eviction-moratorium. Struggling Santa Monica households can also contact the City’s Emergency Food Pantry at Virginia Avenue Park at (310) 458-8688 or (424) 410-1354 Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pantry groceries are distributed by appointment only.
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Media Contact
Constance Farrell
Communications & Public Information Manager
Constance.Farrell@santamonica.gov