Solano County approves $4M in rental assistance for coronavirus job, wage losses

Beginning Sept. 21, Solano County residents who have lost their jobs or had their wages reduced due to the coronavirus pandemic and need rental assistance, can apply for help from a new county rental assistance program.

rogram; designed to support individuals and families in low-income communities impacted by the pandemic health emergency.

The Board of Supervisors on Aug. 25 unanimously approved $4 million in CARES Act funding to establish the COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program, the county said. Administered by Catholic Charities of Yolo-Solano, the program will pay landlords directly on behalf of eligible renter households.

The program will also provide participants with additional resources, including, but not limited to employment assistance, access to mental and behavioral health services, and food and nutritional assistance through the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano and CalFresh.

“Catholic Charities is honored to provide this valuable service to local renter households most financially impacted by COVID-19,” said Miriam Sammartino, executive director of Catholic Charities Yolo-Solano, in the announcement Wednesday. “In the coming three weeks, Catholic Charities staff will be reaching out to services providers across all seven cities to provide an overview of the program and to ensure that each provider understands how to access the application materials so that their clients can be directly connected to the program application wherever they receive services locally.”

To qualify for the COVID-19 cash-assistance rental program, applicants must have a head of household over 18 years of age, be a Solano County resident as the beginning of this year, have an income at or below 100% of federal poverty guidelines and can demonstrate financial hardship and/or loss of income due to COVID-19, including a letter from their most recent employer, bank statements and verification of income. The total cash-assistance amount applicants will be eligible for toward their monthly rental costs may vary depending on need. Eligible participants may receive up to $4,000 in one-time rental assistance per household.

Those interested in help can apply online at www.ccyoso.org or in person at Catholic Charities’ local offices at 125 Corporate Place, Suite A, in Vallejo, beginning Sept. 21. The general application period will close on Monday, Oct. 12, at 5 p.m.

Show Comment