Funds for Rental Assistance Slowly Being Dispersed as Deadline Looms

istock_032921_evictionmorat
istock_032921_evictionmorat

lakshmiprasad S/iStock

As we get closer to the expiration of the state moratorium for evictions, less money appears to be going to renters who need assistance.

The Press Democrat reports that less than 10-percent of the $32-million dollars available in rental aid from Sonoma County has been given to renters. Only $3.3 million has been distributed to 10 local nonprofits tasked with handing money to renters. The state moratorium expires June 30th and, though the county moratorium will still be in place, rental advocates fear tenants could still be on the hook for back rent and eviction down the line if they do not get assistance. Research group National Equity Atlas shows that around 10,000 Sonoma County renters have at least $51-million dollars in rental debt.

Contact Legal Aid of Sonoma County at 707-843-4432

News Director Michelle Marques talks with Suzanne Dershowitz, Housing Policy Attorney with Legal Aid of Sonoma County…