Why this matters
Older adults with fixed incomes are being impacted by the rising housing costs within San Diego. While this vulnerable population increases, housing options are becoming even more limited.
By Charis Johnston, community reporting intern
Applications are open for the city of Chula Vista’s pilot program that provides a rental subsidy of $500 a month for older adults who have a limited income and are at risk of losing housing.
The city launched the pilot program in July and is accepting applications. Officials anticipate supporting as many as 42 households.
“Rental assistance is critical when we consider the demographics and economic challenges facing older adults in Chula Vista,” said Emily Tran, a management analyst at the city who handles “all things healthy and age-friendly.”
From the Documenters
This story came from notes taken by Ismael Rodriguez, a San Diego Documenter, at a Chula Vista Human Relations Commission and Health, Wellness, and Aging Commission meeting last week. The Documenters program trains and pays community members to document what happens at public meetings. Read the note here.
Tran presented the program at a public meeting last week for the city’s commissions on human relations and health, wellness and aging. She said older Chula Vista residents face increasing rents while on fixed incomes, making many severely rent-burdened, meaning they spend at least half of their income on rent.
“A lot of these seniors that are coming in are having to pick and choose: ‘Do I get my medications or can I pay for rent?’” Tran said.
San Diego County is home to about 700,000 residents over the age of 60, and this number is expected to rise by over 100,000 in the next four years, according to the San Diego Association of Governments. Census data shows older adults make up about 14% of Chula Vista’s population.
Participants of the new program can receive the monthly funds for up to one year. The subsidy is paid directly to property owners and is not adjusted based on changes to income or rent amounts.
To qualify for the subsidy, adults must be 55 years or older and live in Chula Vista. The city is prioritizing those with an income at or below 50% of the area median income. Participants have to be at risk of homelessness and can’t be receiving rental assistance from other programs.
Residents can apply online or in person by visiting the Housing and Homeless Services Department at 276 Fourth Ave., Building A. Providing income records and proof of identity and residency is required.
Start your application
The online application requires filling out a nine-page form that’s similar to the paper version given to in-person applicants.
After submitting an application, seniors will receive an email with a document verification checklist. The list will prompt them to provide proof of identity and Chula Vista residency. To review income, the city requires employed applicants to provide about three months of paystubs and retired applicants or applicants receiving pension pay to bring in award letters and any other unemployment benefit statements to be reviewed.
Applicants are not eligible if they receive Section 8 housing assistance or other rental subsidies.
Qualifying applicants are chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. Older adults can expect to be contacted about next steps within 48 to 72 hours of applying. Depending on when they apply, Tran said applicants can expect to hear back about the status of their application within a week.
More information can be found at the city’s website.
Type of Content
News: Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.