Ventura County Launches Rental Assistance Program For Moorpark Renters Affected By Covid-19

Press release from the City of Moorpark:

June 17, 2020

The County of Ventura has launched a Rental Assistance Program aimed at providing relief from the impacts of COVID-19. Moorpark renters can apply for rental assistance from June 17 to July 1 at www.ventura.org/rent.

• Program Flyer (English and Spanish)

“Our community is hurting. It is our hope that these programs will provide at least some relief where it is needed most. Helping our community members and our business owners is critical as we recover. There is a long way to go, but these are important first steps,” said Mike Powers, County Executive Officer.

The Rental Assistance Program may provide temporary rental assistance for Ventura County residents who owe past-due rent because of a hardship due to COVID-19. Priority will be given to eligible applicants with an annual household income of less than 50% area median income, followed by 80% AMI.

The application process opens online at www.ventura.org/rent on June 17, 2020. Applications must be fully completed by July 1, 2020, including submission of information requested from each applicant’s landlord to support the application. If more eligible households apply than total funding can support, a computerized lottery system will be used to fund eligible households at random.

“We anticipate a great need for this program countywide,” said Melissa Livingston, Director for the Human Services Agency. “Many renters are just now returning to work, and they’re struggling to pay for child care, food, and other basic needs – all as they’re watching their back-rent debt grow. This rental program is designed to relieve some of that financial stress.”

Those who qualify could potentially receive rental assistance in the amount of $1,500 for a studio/1 bedroom and $2,500 for a 2 bedroom or larger, with a maximum of two months of rent owed. While the funding may not fully cover monthly rent, it will assist in reducing amounts owed.

Payments will be made directly to landlords.

Community outreach for this program will be key. Community members are encouraged to help spread the word about this opportunity. The Human Services Agency will work with other County agencies, cities and community partners including El Concilio, Interface 211, United Way, Red Cross, 805Help.Org, Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP), Help of Ojai, Cabrillo Economic Development, Westminster Clinic, the Santa Paula Latino Town Hall and other community groups to encourage eligible individuals to apply.

The rental program is federally funded by the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and prioritizes rental assistance for those with very low incomes who have been unable to pay rent due to the impacts of COVID-19.

This press release was produced by the City of Moorpark. The views expressed here are the author’s own.