The initiative is a key component of the city’s 2025–2030 Homelessness Strategic Plan and builds upon existing renter protections.
Santa Monica has approved a $6 million renter assistance program designed to prevent evictions and reduce homelessness by providing direct financial aid and support services to vulnerable households.
The Santa Monica Renter Aid program, funded through Measure GS, was approved by the City Council on Tuesday. It represents the first major allocation from the voter-approved real estate transfer tax increase passed in 2022. The city will partner with The People Concern to administer the program, which is expected to launch in the summer.
Under the program, eligible renter households can receive:
– Up to $5,000 in one-time emergency financial assistance per year
– Up to $10,000 in ongoing monthly assistance annually to maintain housing stability
– Up to $20,000 in assistance for households involved in eviction proceedings, particularly those receiving services through the city’s Right to Counsel program
Households earning up to 120% of the area median income — roughly $126,000 for a single person and $180,000 for a family of four — will qualify, with priority given to those at greatest risk of homelessness. The program is projected to assist approximately 150 households each year.
“Santa Monica renters are the backbone of our community, and this program is about making sure they can stay here,” Mayor Caroline Torosis said in a statement. “Santa Monica Renter Aid puts Measure GS dollars to work exactly as voters intended, keeping working families housed before a crisis becomes a catastrophe.”
The initiative is a key component of the city’s 2025–2030 Homelessness Strategic Plan and builds upon existing renter protections. Applications will be available online, with multilingual materials, paper options, and in-person support at locations including Virginia Avenue Park.
The five-year contract with The People Concern is valued at up to $6 million, beginning with a two-year term and including three one-year renewal options. The People Concern will provide case management services and report outcomes to the city, including success in keeping residents housed and connections to other support programs.
“Keeping Santa Monica residents housed is one of the city’s highest priorities,” said Aileen Reynolds, Director of Housing and Human Services, in a statement. “This first major allocation of Measure GS funding reflects our commitment to preventing homelessness before it happens.”
