By Robert Haugh

The City opened up the process for the second round of emergency rental assistance for Santa Clara residents impacted by COVID-19 yesterday.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program was started by the City Council in June, 2020 with $1.3 million available. 

“We are over six months into this pandemic. Our residents are resilient, yet they are continually impacted financially and emotionally during this crisis, Mayor Lisa Gillmor said.

“Through the quick response from the City Council, the City was able to create this program to prevent Santa Clara residents from becoming homeless. Together, Santa Clara will continue to respond and work to find ways to help our community.”

The first round of funding closed on June 30, 2020. About 80 households qualified for rental assistance. 

Total funding round 1 and round 2 is $2.8 million. 

Combined with the other City efforts, no city in the Bay Area has done more to help its residents than Santa Clara.

To qualify for round 2 funding: 

• Households must live in Santa Clara 
• Have accumulated past due rents after April 2020
• Have a total household income less than 80% Area Median Income (AMI) 

If you or anyone you know needs help and meets the income requirements, go to the city’s website.