The Challenge of Distributing Rental Assistance in San Diego

The San Diego Housing Commission faces a dilemma as millions of dollars in rental assistance for struggling San Diegans amid the pandemic may go unspent. Despite increased outreach efforts, only a fraction of the allocated funds have been distributed so far.

With over 10,600 applications received, the commission estimates providing $37.5 million in rent and utility assistance to qualifying households. However, challenges persist, as similar programs in the county and Chula Vista struggle to disburse funds effectively.

Efforts are being made to reach those in need, especially in low-income communities where barriers such as Internet access, language, and trust issues hinder application submissions. The Housing Commission, city, and county must comply with state guidelines to allocate funds by set deadlines.

As the deadline looms, concerns arise about the ability to distribute the funds effectively. Requests for changes to program requirements have been made to maximize impact and help residents maintain stable housing.

Flexibility in payment structures, rental assistance duration, and expenditure deadlines are crucial for ensuring the needs of San Diegans are met during this challenging period. Advocacy for legislative changes to provide more flexibility in distributing assistance continues at the local and county levels.