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Council backs concept to fund Help of Ojai rental assistance; directs staff to return with contract
Summary
The council agreed Sept. 9 to pursue a one‑time allocation structure to support Help of Ojai’s rental assistance program and asked staff to bring a professional services agreement and program parameters back to the council in October.
The Ojai City Council on Sept. 9 gave concept approval to use an unprogrammed general‑fund allocation to support Help of Ojai’s rental‑assistance work and directed staff to prepare a contract and program parameters for council approval at a future meeting.
Help of Ojai staff explained that their rental assistance program has historically operated with county and state grants and that the organization has flexibly deployed funds to prevent eviction or to help households move into housing. Jane (Help of Ojai) said recent county rapid‑response funds served 15–18 households and that program rules often required a three‑day pay or quit notice as proof for assistance; Help of Ojai asked for flexibility to intervene earlier and to assist households that do not always meet strict documentation rules.
Council direction: The council instructed staff to prepare a simple professional services agreement (PSA) to provide $100,000 in one‑time funds from unprogrammed general fund balance and to return the PSA and implementation details to council at the first October meeting. Members asked for quarterly reporting on funds spent, data on residence within Ojai city limits (council requested local residents have priority), and flexible eligibility so Help of Ojai can respond rapidly to households at risk. The council emphasized reporting and documentation requirements for audit and housing‑element tracking.
Why it matters: The rental‑assistance funds are intended to prevent evictions, keep households housed and, according to speakers, reduce pressure on emergency shelter resources. Supporters said the nonprofit already administers similar funds through county grants and can scale use of a one‑time city allocation quickly.
Ending: Council voted to direct staff to prepare the PSA and return on the schedule above. Staff will draft eligibility language, reporting metrics and contract terms for council review in October.
