Sonoma County Housing Authority allocates $1.6M for rental assistance programs

During the recent meeting of the City of Santa Rosa Housing Authority on April 28, 2025, key discussions centered around the allocation of funds for various housing assistance programs, highlighting the city's ongoing commitment to addressing housing needs in the community.

A significant portion of the budget, approximately 80%, is earmarked for the Housing Choice Voucher and Emergency Housing Voucher programs. These programs are crucial as they provide direct rental assistance to clients, helping to alleviate the financial burden of housing costs for many residents. The total allocated costs for these programs amount to $1.6 million, with additional funding of about $4.1 million designated for staff salaries and benefits, representing 8% of the overall budget.

The meeting also addressed the Temporary Rental Assistance (TBRA) program, which operates similarly to the Housing Choice Voucher program but typically has a two-year duration for assistance. This program was initially approved during the COVID-19 pandemic to offer extra support to residents facing housing instability.

Furthermore, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Services funding was discussed, with a requirement that 15% of these funds be allocated for public services. The city prioritizes these funds for homeless services, including grants awarded to organizations such as Catholic Charities for their Caritas Drop-in Centre and Family Support Centre.

Another critical topic was the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program, which provides essential services through the organization Face to Face of Sonoma County. However, it was noted that this fiscal year will be the last for receiving HOPWA funds due to changes in HUD's funding allocation criteria, which no longer align with the AIDS caseload in Sonoma County. The Housing Authority is actively working with Face to Face, the state of California, and HUD to ensure that continuous services are provided, with plans for Face to Face to receive direct funding from the state moving forward.

In conclusion, the discussions at the Housing Authority meeting underscored the city's proactive approach to housing assistance and the challenges posed by changing funding landscapes. As the city navigates these changes, the focus remains on ensuring that vulnerable populations continue to receive the support they need.