Sonoma Valley landlords have a new reason to house the homeless: Cold, hard cash.
HomeFirst, a homeless-services nonprofit, and the Sonoma County Department of Health Services are launching the Rapid Rehousing Program in the Valley of the Moon, a region where about 100 people are currently experiencing homelessness, according to a county announcement.
The program is designed to incentivize landlords to rent their units to unhoused community members. Sonoma Valley landlords could receive up to $1,000 in financial incentives if they rent their units to unhoused people enrolled in the program. The program also offers tenant mediation and payment for unexpected property damage.
Meanwhile, renters in the program receive help finding a rental unit, filling out applications and moving in. They also receive financial assistance with monthly rents and one-time security deposits.
In its first year, the program is expected to place around 13 households, totaling approximately 20 people, in rental housing in the Sonoma Valley.
1st District Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, who represents the Sonoma Valley, said the program will offer “a direct path to [housing] stability”
“I’m especially grateful to the landlords who are stepping up as partners in this effort; their participation is essential,” Hermosillo said.
Interested landlords can reach out to bianca.rojas@homefirstscc.org for more information.
