County Supervisors OK Using Unclaimed Tax Money For Senior Rent Aid

SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego County will spend a little over $300,000 in unclaimed property tax refunds for a rental assistance program that helps low-income senior citizens after a Board of Supervisors vote Tuesday.

Supervisor Joel Anderson proposed using the unclaimed money, which would have been placed in the county's general fund budget otherwise.

"Our needs are greater than ever before," he said.

In February 2022, Anderson and now-Board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer introduced a joint-board letter asking county staff to design a pilot program to provide a "shallow rent subsidy" to low-income, rent-burdened older adults who are imminently at risk of homelessness.

After the program took effect in January 2023, it was expanded the following year.

Tuesday's vote was 4-1, with Lawson-Remer voting no, citing concerns over other unmet needs.

The board chair said she was very supportive of the rent-support program, but could not support Anderson's proposal without further fiscal planning. Lawson-Remer suggested it would be better to discuss more rent subsidy funding during a planned budget update on March 3.

Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton said the county has spent $5 million on the rent program since its inception, and has $1 million available.

Supervisor Paloma Aguirre said that ideally the county should offer rental assistance to all who need it.

Senior citizens who qualify for the subsidy program must be 55 or older, have a household at or 50% below the area median income and pay over 50% of their income toward housing costs.

Applicants must also hold a lease or rental agreement in their name, along with a landlord who will participate, and not receive other rental subsidies.

— City News Service