The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors today unanimously approved allocating another $4.3 million in federal COVID-19 relief funding to provide emergency rental assistance for eligible low-income residents and counseling and related legal services to tenants and landlords.
The package includes $3.2 million for an emergency rental assistance program, $600,000 for tenant/landlord counseling and related legal services, and $492,960 to the County’s Department of Conservation and Development for general program administration, officials said.
“Providing direct rental payments to landlords on behalf of tenants is critical, and staff will work with community organizations to reach out to those in need, particularly low-income households and neighborhoods severely impacted by economic and housing instability at this difficult time,” said Supervisor Candace Andersen.
All funds are provided to the county via U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s CARES Act funding.
“HUD has targeted CDBG-CV3 funds towards jurisdictions with households facing higher risk of eviction and has indicated that these funds can be used to provide temporary financial assistance to meet rental obligations of low-income households that are struggling to meet their monthly rental obligations,” officials said. “The CDBG-CV3 funds may also be used to provide legal services in connection with tenant/landlord counseling services.”
In another pandemic-related action today, the Board of Supervisors voted to extend a ban on small business impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The actions occur amid a spike in COVID-19 cases that prompted the state to tighten restrictions in Contra Costa County, including banning indoor dining and indoor fitness centers.
