VISTA–The city of Vista has implemented two new rental and emergency assistance programs to provide temporary rent and emergency relief to Vista residents who are at risk of becoming homeless or are currently unable to pay expenses due to circumstances related to COVID-19.
“It is vital we continue to support residents who have lost jobs or who are experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic,” said Mayor Judy Ritter. “This program will provide much needed assistance for residents and families in Vista who are at risk of becoming homeless.”
The city is partnering with North County Lifeline to manage and implement the Vista Rental Assistance Program and the Homelessness Prevention Program. The programs will provide up to $5,000 of rental assistance payments to cover up to three months of unpaid rent on behalf of qualifying Vista residents who have lost income due to COVID-19 and meet federal low-income requirements. The monthly assistance payments will be provided directly to landlords or property owners on behalf of qualifying residents and be applicable to rent due for the months of June, July and August. The Homelessness Prevention Program can provide other emergency assistance resources that would prevent an individual or family from becoming homeless.
The Vista program is funded by $230,000 of federal Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) and $250,000 in SB-2 Homeless Prevention funds.
“This crisis is devastating families who were already living on the brink of poverty,” said Mayor Ritter. “We want to provide rental and other emergency assistance to Vista residents so that we can help reduce some of the long-term economic damage of this pandemic. If more federal or state funds become available, we hope to add to the program.”
Vista residents can find all program details, including eligibility requirements and application materials on the North County Lifeline website. Vista residents should contact North County Lifeline at (760) 509-3450 or vistarap@nclifeline.org for more information.
North County Lifeline is a community-based human services organization serving low-income and underserved populations in San Diego County. Lifeline serves more than 5,000 people n the County through programs that focus on positive youth development, child abuse prevention and domestic violence intervention, housing and self-sufficiency, behavioral health, and human trafficking victim and survivor services.
On other COVID related matters, earlier in July, the City Council issued an Emergency Order to temporarily relocate operations outside to help some businesses operate. In an effort to further support local businesses, the City has launched a “Vista is Open” website, which includes a list of eateries and breweries open for business.
