Supervisor Ridley-Thomas announced a program that supports both people who are unable to pay the rent, and rent owners who have not been paid.
Amid the nation's economic devastation, Mark Ridley-Thomas, Los Angeles County Supervisor, announced yesterday that help is on the way for people who can't afford their rent, but also for apartment owners who don't they have received payment so they can pay their mortgage.
The supervisor in charge of District 2, representing an average of two million people, said he has partnered with Los Angeles Community Development.
Autority (LACDA) to set up a federally funded emergency rent of $ 1.8 million that will assist people who are unable to make their rent or mortgage payment.
The assistance program is expected to assist families living in unincorporated areas of the county's 2nd district, including: Athens, East and West of Rancho Domínguez, Florencia-Firestone, Ladera Heights, Lennox, View Park, Windsor Hills and Willowbrook, according to a press release from the supervisor's office.
"One of the most disturbing elements of this pandemic has been its impact on the stability of housing in our region and our nation in general," said supervisor Ridley-Thomas.
"Unfortunately, an unimaginable number of families are struggling just to bring food to their tables," he emphasized. “We must act with urgency and compassion to support residents and property owners who find themselves in these circumstances. We are confident that these grants will go a long way in keeping hundreds of families in their homes. ”
Emilio Salas, LACDA executive director, said the COVID-19 emergency rental assistance program created by the Board of Supervisors will provide a dual benefit for two segments that have been heavily affected.
"For eligible income tenants who were affected by the pandemic, it will provide a life preserver to help them pay the rent," Salas said. "And for our community of owners, many of whom rent a family home – but depend on it – to meet their mortgage obligations."
The US Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, also known
like the CARES Act, will provide emergency rental assistance subsidies to families of households
who suffered loss of job, license or reduction in
hours of employment or pay, as a result of the current health crisis.
For the Second District of L.A. County, $ 1 million in aid has been allocated. This means that tenants can receive up to $ 1,000 for their monthly rent for up to three months. L.A. County has contracted with the non-profit St. Joseph Center and HOPICS to administer the program.
Tenants can apply by contacting 211 L.A. Whether dialing 2-1-1 or
by going to the website 211LA.org/covid-rental-help.
To qualify, the household income before the pandemic cannot exceed certain amounts: for example, $ 63,100 for an individual and $ 90,100 for a family of four. All applications must be received by May 31.
As for rental owners, an additional $ 800,000 in grants has been set aside for rental homeowners who depend on that money to pay off their still-paying mortgages. LACDA will administer the program that is expected to be launched today, Thursday, May 14.
Additionally, supervisors voted yesterday to extend the Los Angeles County eviction moratorium until June 30, 2020, with consideration of additional extensions every 30 days thereafter.
The moratorium will now apply to unincorporated areas throughout the county, such as in jurisdictions that have not passed rent stabilization ordinances.
It is important to mention that the financing of these federal programs depends on the data of the US Census. That is why all Los Angeles County residents were encouraged to fill out the 2020 Census form to be counted.
In addition to being able to mail the questionnaire, residents can fill it out online this year at my2020census.gov./ CNS
