SANTA MONICA—On July 22, the city of Santa Monica announced a new program offering one-time and short-term financial aid for those in need of renter’s assistance.
Photo Credit: Nathan Dumlao
The new program is funded through Measure GS and administered by The People Concern in partnership with Santa Monica’s Homelessness Prevention and Intervention Division. Santa Monica Renter’s Aid is designed to help those eligible to remain stable and safely housed. Applications are available thru August 20
“Nobody should lose their home over one bad month. Renter Aid puts roughly $6 million directly into the hands of Santa Monica renters who hit a rough patch and connect them with The People Concern so a short-term crisis doesn’t turn into a long term one. Keeping people housed is more cost effective and more humane than helping them after they’ve already lost everything,” said Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis.
To qualify for Santa Monica Renter’s Aid, applicants must be a resident in a housing crisis or at risk of losing housing and meet the income eligibility requirements. The program is for low-income households, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and families with children.
Applicants will be required to provide documentation to verify eligibility. Assistance is not guaranteed.
Those needing help to complete the application may attend a free in-person application on Tuesdays from 3-7 p.m. at Virginia Avenue Park Center Building located at 2200 Virginia Avenue. Thursdays from 12:30-4:30 p.m. at Main Library located at 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Representatives from The People Concern will be available at the upcoming State of the City event on Thursday, July 23, 4-7 p.m. taking place on Main Street between Hollister Avenue and Ocean Park Boulevard. Admission is free and the event is open to all ages.
According to Zillow, the average cost to rent an apartment in Santa Monica ranges from $2,169 to $4,594 monthly. The average market rent being approximately $3,490 monthly.
Low income in Santa Monica is considered less than $137,400 for a family of four, according to the city’s website. An income of $933-1,439 per person monthly would be considered very low income. An annual earnings of $25,600 annually for a family of four is categorized as extremely low income.
Data from a 2025 Homelessness count noted 475 people living outdoors (including at city beaches), a decrease of 4 individuals from 2024, with 202 people living in shelters, 84 people in vehicles, and 51 people living in tents.
By Sharon