The City Council voted unanimously to establish a pilot rental assistance program aimed at preventing eviction and homelessness among Salinas residents. Homeless Services Manager Keishla Lopez said the pilot is a focused eviction‑prevention effort, offering one‑time payments (up to three months of arrears) to keep households housed and providing wraparound referrals — legal aid, mediation and financial counseling.

Staff proposed using Family Homeless Challenge grant funds and a city match to create a combined funding pool. Director Brenton clarified the budgetary mix: the council previously appropriated $500,000 of city funds for rental assistance; staff identified a further $500,000 from the Family Homeless Challenge and proposed an additional $250,000 to go to the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) to maintain and process referrals for school‑age families. City staff said the total available for eviction prevention efforts would be approximately $1.2 million for the pilot period, through June 30, 2026.

Keishla Lopez described eligibility and operations: applicants must be City of Salinas residents at risk of eviction with a valid lease (12‑month lease preferred, staff may consider month‑to‑month cases), not currently receiving duplicative rental subsidy, and not more than three months behind on rent. The program is first‑come, first‑served, unless staff later pivots to a lottery if demand and equity considerations require it. The city will execute agreements with landlords accepting funds and require a non‑eviction commitment for a 30‑day period after payment to reduce the risk of misuse.

Councilmember Andrew Sandoval moved the item, it was seconded and passed on roll call with unanimous yes votes from Councilmembers Barajas, Barrera, Dirigo, Salazar, Sandoval and Mayor Donahue. Councilmembers and public speakers urged rapid implementation, the use of strong documentation/anti‑fraud checks and robust wraparound services to reduce the chance the same households need repeated assistance. Staff committed to presenting an administrative report in July 2026 summarizing households assisted, funds dispersed, average processing times and eviction‑prevention outcomes.

The motion authorized the city manager to negotiate and execute subrecipient agreements with MCOE and to make final guideline revisions so that the program can begin this month.