RESOLUTION NO._______ (N.C.S.)
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PILOT RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZING THE APPROPRIATION OF $750,000 OF FAMILY HOMELESS CHALLENGE (FHC) GRANT FUNDS FOR RENTAL ASSISTANCE AND AUTHORIZING A SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT WITH MONTEREY COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION (MCOE) WITH A FUNDING AMOUNT OF $250,000 TO PROVIDE RENTAL ASSISTANCE WHEREAS, the City of Salinas recognizes that housing stability is essential to the health, safety and well-being of its residents, and WHEREAS, increasing housing costs, eviction filings, and seasonal economic impacts have resulted in heightened risk of housing displacement for Salinas Residents; and WHEREAS, on May 13, 2025, the City Council received a presentation outlining rental assistance program models, eligibility structures, delivery methods, and funding considerations for local homelessness prevention efforts; and WHEREAS, based on City Council feedback and direction, staff developed the City of Salinas, Pilot Rental Assistance Program, an initiative designed to prevent eviction by providing short-term financial assistance, referral services, and landlord-tenant support; and WHEREAS, the FY 2025–26 Operating Budget appropriates $500,000 in General Fund allocations designated for rental assistance; and WHEREAS, the City intends to allocate $750,000 in Family Homelessness Challenge (FHC) grant funds from the California Department of Housing and Community Development to support eviction prevention and family homelessness reduction strategies; and WHEREAS, FHC funds must be expended by June 30, 2026, and must be used in accordance with applicable state grant requirements, and WHEREAS, Housing Division staff will support RAP implementation with Salinas Outreach and Response Team (SORT) being the primary point of contact; and WHEREAS, the RAP will offer up to three (3) months of rental assistance, up to a maximum of $9,000 per household, with payments issued directly to landlords to safeguard tenancy and prevent evictions; and WHEREAS, the City intends to collaborate with the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) to serve families with school-aged children enrolled in school that are at risk of homelessness; and WHEREAS, the City intends to award $250,000 of the $750,000 in FHC funds to support MCOE to sustain their rental assistance program specifically targeting families with children enrolled in local schools; and WHEREAS, the City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Salinas City Council hereby approves the establishment of the Pilot Rental Assistance Program (RAP); and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHERE RESOLVED that the Salinas City Council hereby appropriates $750,000 of Family Homeless Challenge (FHC) Grant funds for rental assistance, and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Salinas City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager, or designee, to negotiate and execute a subrecipient agreement with the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) to provide rental assistance for families with school-age children enrolled in school at risk of homelessness, in an amount not to exceed $250,000 from the $750,000 FHC grant funds.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Salinas City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager, or designee, to promulgate RAP Program Guidelines, all applicable forms, agreements, and subsequent amendments as needed to implement the RAP.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 2nd day of December 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
APPROVED:
____________________________
Dennis Donohue, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Patricia M. Barajas, City Clerk
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