Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: 4/5
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael Callagy, County Manager
Subject: Accept funds in the amount of $22,791,547 from the U.S. Treasury Department for emergency rental assistance.
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) in the amount of $22,791,547 accepting unanticipated revenue from the U.S. Department of Treasury to facilitate the distribution of emergency rental assistance to eligible households unable to pay rent and utilities due to COVID-19.
body
BACKGROUND:
On December 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act (the "Act"), 2021, Public Law 116-260, which established a Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program makes available $25 billion to assist households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are provided directly to state and local governments to provide assistance to eligible households through existing or newly created rental assistance programs. Of the total amount, $500 million was allocated to U.S. territories and $800 million to tribal communities. The remaining funds were allocated to states and localities with populations of 200,000 or more.
At least ninety percent of these funds must be used for payment of rent, rental arrears, utilities, home energy costs and other related housing expenses. The remaining ten percent are made available for housing stability services. Preference will be given to the most vulnerable households, such as those with 50 percent of area median income and below. Support to eligible households can cover up to 18 months of arrears and limits prospective assistance to no more than 12 months. Funds must be used by December 31, 2021.
DISCUSSION:
San Mateo County has had an emergency financial assistance program that covers rent, utilities and transportation assistance since 2013 for ho...
Click here for full text