Applications for the new Sacramento Emergency Rental Assistance (SERA) program are now being accepted to help low-income residents who have experienced a loss or reduction in wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
SERA is a joint effort among the City of Sacramento, Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) and the County of Sacramento.
“This emergency assistance will help some of our most vulnerable residents stay safe in their homes,” said Councilmember Steve Hansen. “As the COVID pandemic upends the lives of low-income workers and renters, I am glad to see this program come to life so we can help our residents most affected economically avoid even more distress or even homelessness.”
The program is open to people who are renting housing in the City of Sacramento or the unincorporated County of Sacramento and were employed but experienced loss of or reduction in wages due to COVID-19.
The $4.7 million program is funded from $2.7 million of the City’s CARES act funding and $2 million will either come from Federal Emergency Solutions Grant or Community Development Block Grant Funds pending City Council direction.
“We must protect Sacramento families and children from the risk of losing their home,” said Mayor Pro Tem Angelique Ashby. “This vital program will prioritize families with minor children and provide the safety net that so many struggling families need.”
“This pandemic has negatively impacted all of our Sacramento communities, but the rental assistance program will help uplift our most vulnerable population – those at risk of losing their homes,” said Councilmember Eric Guerra. “I am proud that the City is using its CARES act funding to help our most in-need communities.”
Applications will be accepted from Friday, Oct. 9 through Thursday, Oct. 22 and must be completed online here. The online application is available in eight different languages in an effort to accommodate community needs.
Applicants can receive help uploading required documents and other technical assistance in person at 816 Revere St. (Alder Grove) and 480 Redwood Ave, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday from Oct. 9-22. Applicants can email sera@shra.org or call (916) 449-1266 for additional assistance.
Eligible applications will be placed in a computerized random order. Preferences will be given to families with minor children, families at 30% Area Median Income (AMI) and lower and families with completed applications.
Rental assistance payments may be issued up to $4,000 per household for past due rent with the balance applied to current rent payments if the applicant is still unemployed. Payments will be made directly to the landlord. Landlords will be asked to sign a statement of non-eviction.
Find a full list of criteria and eligibility here.
Other COVID-19 resources including computer and Wi-Fi access, job training and placement and business assistance programs can be found on the City’s COVID relief website.