MONTEREY COUNTY — Since launching in March 2021, the Rent and Utility Assistance Program through the County of Monterey in partnership with United Way Monterey County has provided nearly $34 million to help keep residents in their homes during the pandemic.
The program used state and federal emergency funding to assist low-income residents who faced a loss or reduction in income due to Covid-19. A network of partner providers helped process applications and distribute funds, according to Maia Carroll, the county’s communications coordinator.
The program, which is no longer accepting applications, provided housing and utility security to thousands of families during the pandemic crisis.
As of April 9, the program issued a total of $33.8 million for rent and utility, with 2,467 households receiving rental assistance and 3,371 households receiving utility assistance.
“Support is continuing, but the emergency assistance program is no longer accepting applications,” Carroll said in a news release April 26. “Applications that have been received are being processed until all emergency funding has been spent.”
