Some families on the verge of homelessness could be eligible for rent relief support if a pilot program is approved by the OC Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Jan 23.
Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee is proposing to fund the emergency rental assistance program by allocating $500,000 from his district discretionary funds. In partnership with the nonprofit Friendly Center, families based in District 4 – including the cities of Brea, Buena Park, Fullerton, La Habra, Placentia, Stanton and parts of Anaheim – could receive help with up to three months worth of rent.
The Friendly Center already runs a similar rent relief program of its own, as well as case management and housing assistance, but is limited based on funding – it’s been only able to cover about 25% of requests for support, according to a county staff report.
“The greatest challenge lies not just in the distribution of these funds, but in ensuring that every dollar makes a real difference in the lives of families in need. It’s about balancing the immediate impact with sustainable support, and doing so with transparency, dignity and compassion,” said Kenia Cueto, president and CEO of the Friendly Center. “Friendly Center’s commitment is to transform this generous donation into a lifeline for those who are struggling, and in doing so, strengthen the very fabric of our community.”
The organization will create a hotline that people can call to request support, Cueto said. Residents who qualify will be invited to the center’s site in Buena Park to meet with a case manager and figure out their needs.
“The goal of this program is to prevent people from falling into homelessness and to help the family achieve what we call economic stability,” Chaffee said. “During that time, we’ll work with them through the Friendly Center, which has a case manager who will be working with the family to develop a budget, see what their needs are and look for other resources.”
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