Addressing Homelessness: Santa Monica secures $1 million in rental assistance to prevent homelessness, thanks to Prohousing Designation

Addressing Homelessness: Santa Monica secures $1 million in rental assistance to prevent homelessness, thanks to Prohousing Designation

October 15, 2024 8:18 AM
by David Martin

Santa Monica was one of 19 Prohousing cities recently awarded a Prohousing Incentive Program, or PIP, grant, securing the city $1 million to be used toward programs that aim to prevent homelessness.

In January of this year, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the city of Santa Monica received the Prohousing Designation, recognizing the city's strong commitment to developing affordable housing.

This designation made the city eligible to apply for PIP grants, which are only open to Prohousing-designated cities.

Santa Monica will use the grant to provide short term rental assistance to Santa Monicans at risk of losing their housing due to rent increases or eviction for nonpayment of rent. More information on how this program could operate will be presented to the City Council in early 2025.  

The city of Santa Monica is known for its strong renter protections and support of affordable housing, but there are still many households in Santa Monica who have trouble paying their rent each month. This is why we are acting with the utmost urgency to accelerate the availability of affordable housing in our community, and the Prohousing designation supports that work.  

The designation and PIP award also help to advance the city's strategic priorities of Addressing Homelessness; Justice, Equity & Diversity; and Economic Growth & Cultural Vitality. 

The full staff report related to the grant application can be viewed here.

Authored By

David Martin
Director

Categories

Housing, Programs