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Orange County Launches Rental Assistance Pilot Program
Fullerton, pictured in an overview shot
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Topline:
Orange County has launched a new pilot program to help families at risk of becoming unhoused with rental assistance.
Who's eligible? The Emergency Rental Assistance Program will provide up to three months of support to families with unpaid rent or at risk of becoming unhoused. That includes low-income households, people who have lost their job and so forth. However, as of now, the program is only available to people living in District 4, which county Supervisor Doug Chaffee Chaffee represents. The cities include Buena Park, Fullerton, La Habra, Placentia, Stanton and parts of Anaheim.
"It's really important we give families a chance to be stable," Chaffee said.
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The Friendly Center: The nonprofit will help applicants through the process and assist with financial literacy programs, food assistance, and more. A spokesperson said they've received 80 applications already, but expect to receive around 600.
The backstory: Chaffee started the pilot program with $500,000 in discretionary funds from the Fourth District. He said it will run until the funding dries up.
"If I can convince my colleagues that this program should go countywide, then we may look at some general fund money," he said.
How to apply: Applications are available in English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese and Vietnamese. The Friendly Center's website is here.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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