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Federal help for renters
By: Brent Begin
07/16/09 5:43 PM PDT
San Franciscans in need of a little help with the rent — and those who need to get off the streets — just got a big boost from the federal government.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development granted The City $8.75 million in stimulus funds to pay the rent for those on the verge of eviction. The money is also meant to get homeless off the streets quickly and into a job.
San Franciscans who apply to the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing program shouldn’t expect long term free rent though. The program is designed to provide short- and medium-term financial assistance such as security and utility deposits, utility payments, moving assistance and hotel costs.
Applicants can receive up to three months of rental assistance or 18 months of partial rent assistance by applying to the program.
While money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is focused on jump-starting the economy and providing jobs, a large portion has gone to health care costs and housing. About $1.5 billion is going into this particular program across the nation.
Mayor Gavin Newsom said in a statement that he hopes the money will assist an oft overlooked population.
“Keeping individuals off the streets, and helping families get through hard times, goes a long way in facilitating our economic recovery,” he said.
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