The city of El Monte launched a grant program on Tuesday May 6 that will provide one-time rental assistance up to $1,200. The program is a response effort to help residents that have been economically impacted by COVID-19. The program is directed towards low-income households that have experienced a loss of income during the pandemic. Applicants must meet all requirements in order to be considered eligible. Applications will be open from May 6 through May 18.

Applications are available on the city’s “Virtual City Hall” website. Paper applications are also available, and can be submitted in a designated drop box outside of City Hall. Not all applications will be approved for grants due to the city’s budget of $250,000. The grant is administered from CDBG-CV funds, also known as “CARES” Act, for the Emergency Housing Program. Eligible applications will be picked on May 27 through a lottery system to determine who will receive grants. The prioritization for approved grants will also be chosen at random. Funds will be paid directly to landlords around the first week of June.

Eligibility for Grants

Applicants must be renting a unit within city limits in order to be eligible. They must provide proof of legal residence in the U.S. Residents must fall within HUD’s Very-Low-Income (VLI) limits of Los Angeles County’s 50% median income. Participants must provide documents in order to demonstrate a need for assistance. Documents include either a past due invoice or a copy of their lease agreement. Approved applicants must confirm with their landlord and fill out all required documentation.

El Monte’s city council is constantly working towards finding new ways to offer support and relief to it’s community. Visit  https://monte.campaignrep.org/page/el-monte-rental-assistance-program to apply.