County Launches Housing Wave

Santa Cruz CA

03 June, 2021

9:24 PM

Description

Press release from the County of Santa Cruz: June 3, 2021 For the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the County of Santa Cruz providedsafe shelter, food and critical services to more than 800 local residents who lackhousing. As we emerge from the pandemic, the County is asking for thecommunity's help in finding and supporting transitions to permanent housing forindividuals who may otherwise experience a return to homelessness. The County is launching Rehousing Wave to support temporarily shelteredindividuals and families in securing permanent housing. Funded primarilythrough the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act andapproved by the Board of Supervisors, the Rehousing Wave represents thelargest effort to rehouse formerly homeless individuals in County history andhelps meet the objectives of the County's three-year strategic framework foraddressing homelessness. Just as efforts to house and protect individuals during the pandemic was acollaboration with community partners including 260 local residents employedthroughout the sheltering system, Rehousing Wave also builds on the spirit ofcollaboration. Housing Matters, Abode Services (Abode), the Community ActionBoard (CAB), the Santa Cruz County Veterans Memorial Building Board ofTrustees, the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz and especially localproperty owners and managers will play vital roles in this effort. "Our efforts to protect individuals experiencing homelessness during thepandemic were successful, but we face a new potential crisis – the loss of federalfunding to support COVID-related sheltering efforts," said Robert Ratner, directorof the County's new Housing for Health Division. "As we transition out of thepandemic, it is imperative that our community come together to support theseindividuals so that they may continue their journeys toward wellness, stability,and dignity." This effort will not be successful without the support and commitment of locallandlords, who have a chance to reduce local homelessness while providing localfamilies and individuals a foundation to improve their lives. "My experience as a landlord has only been positive and rewarding. I'm helpingfamilies find a place they can call home," said Jana Rinaldi, a landlord who hashelped provide housing for individuals exiting homelessness. "The fact that bothtenant and landlord are supported in the process is a win win for both." The Rehousing Wave needs property owners and housing providers who canhelp those who need a home. To ensure a smooth and mutually beneficialhousing partnership, Rehousing Wave offers financial security and personalizedsupport, as well as assuring individuals and families seeking housing are providedthe supportive services necessary to become optimal tenants. Benefits of the Rehousing Wave include:• Housing providers are guaranteed, on-time monthly payments from a localnon-profit organization• Financial incentives will be available for property owners/housingproviders• A single point of contact will be assigned to property owners/housingproviders to help resolve any tenant concerns• Resident support services will be provided and tenants will be offered acase manager to support their long-term success as tenants The Rehousing Wave is looking forward to partnering with housing providers tosecure homes for individuals and families in need in Santa Cruz County.Interested property owners/housing providers can contact Shiri Gradek [email protected] or call 510-435-8881. More information is available athttp://homelessactionpartnership.org/RehousingWave.aspx. The Rehousing Wave is also collecting monetary and supply donations to supporthouseholds with transitioning to permanent housing. The Santa Cruz VeteransHall Board of Trustees is coordinating this effort. Individuals interested in makinga donation can visit veteranshall.org for more information, or contact ChrisCottingham at [email protected] or call 650-303-8221. The Santa Cruz County Housing for Health Division oversees the county'shousing crisis services system and is responsible for implementing the county'splan to reduce homelessness, "Housing for a Healthy Santa Cruz: A StrategicFramework for Addressing Homelessness in Santa Cruz County." This press release was produced by the County of Santa Cruz. The views expressed here are the author's own.