OCEANSIDE — Oceanside families facing hard times will soon have one more tool to help them stay in their homes as the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program was unanimously voted in by the City Council on May 6.
The action secures HUD funding for renters who lose their jobs due to the recession. Funds are specifically targeted at families so that they can remain in their rentals and children can continue to attend their present schools.
Management Analyst John Lundblad said the city will work with school districts and community agencies to identify families in need of assistance.
“Funds are for people who would be homeless except for this program,” Lundblad said.
In addition to direct funding, loans may also be available to qualifying families. “We’re exploring making this a loan program,” Lundblad said. “Many of the families do not want to be known as ‘welfare people’ and would rather have a loan.”
Council’s OK for the Rapid Re-Housing Program came just 10 days before the May 16 deadline for cities to apply for the specific HUD funding. Oceanside is one of the few cities in San Diego North County to secure these HUD funds.
Lundblad said the city will roll out the program by September. “Funds will be available as soon as that contract is signed,” Lundblad said.
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