Monterey County initiates rental assistance program with United Way partnership

The Salinas City Council convened on May 13, 2025, to discuss critical initiatives aimed at addressing rental assistance needs in the community. The meeting focused on the establishment of a new program designed to expedite rental assistance applications and ensure efficient service delivery.

The council began by outlining the requirements for the rental assistance program, emphasizing the necessity for applications to be processed within ten working days. This includes completing the application, verifying landlord information, and issuing checks to applicants. The United Way for Monterey County has been designated as the local administrator for this initiative, having developed a template to prevent service duplication, a concern that arose during the pandemic due to fraudulent applications.

Council members discussed the need for initial funding, noting that philanthropic partners are currently in the grant-making phase and will not have available funds until later in the year. The timeline for securing additional funding is projected to extend into early 2026, with requests for proposals (RFPs) expected to be issued in late 2025.

The discussion highlighted the importance of creating a structured program that could attract philanthropic support. Council members noted that while philanthropic organizations typically do not fund government-mandated services, this program could present a unique opportunity for collaboration, as it addresses a gap in city council services.

The council also considered the logistics of managing applications, suggesting a staggered approach to funding distribution throughout the year to avoid overwhelming the system with applicants. A proposed budget of approximately $504,000 annually was discussed, which would provide assistance to around 20 households, benefiting a significant number of individuals in need.

As the meeting progressed, council members sought clarity on the next steps required to advance the program. They agreed to establish parameters that would guide the development of the program structure and budget. A budget study session is scheduled for May 27, where further direction will be provided.

The meeting concluded with a reference to the successful implementation of a similar program in the city of Monterey, which had received $250,000 in funding and faced high demand for assistance. The Salinas City Council aims to learn from this experience as they move forward with their own initiative to support residents facing rental challenges.