The City of Chula Vista announced the Emergency Rental Assistance Program has ceased accepting new applications due to total requests for assistance exceeding available funding.
The announcement comes as the program dispersed $32 million to Chula Vista Residents since its launch in March 2021. According to the city, the dispersed funds, which came from state and federal allocations, have prevented housing insecurity and relieved a major source of stress for individuals and families.
In a statement, the city announced it is pursuing other options to secure additional funding and resources for residents. The Chula Vista Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), launched in March 2021, has expended $32 million to local families. Funded by state and federal allocations, the program paid rent and utility bills on behalf of Chula Vista residents financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Within the first 10 months of operation, the city’s ERAP assisted a total of 2,305 households with a total of $32,344,887 of funds distributed. According to the city, about 75 percent of households assisted made 30 percent or below the area median income.
At least one minor child was living in 65 percent of assisted households.
“We have worked diligently with our program partner SBCS to ensure funding for Chula Vista ERAP was disbursed to those who need it,” said Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas. “We are continuing to pursue other sources of funding for rent and utility assistance and working with community-serving organizations to help those experiencing financial strain in any way we can.”
The city of Chula Vista provided a list of available resources for residents:
General Resources
• State of California COVID-19 Rent Relief Housing
https://housing.ca.gov/covid_rr/program_overview.html
• San Diego County 211 – Home – 211 San Diego, Phone Number: 211
• SBCS – Serving San Diego County Children, Youth & Families – SBCS (sbcssandiego.org),
(619) 420-3620
Legal Resources
• Tenants in California have certain protections from eviction under state law, as well as under
local laws in some cities and counties. For more information, visit the State’s Housing
website at https://housing.ca.gov/tenant/protection_guidelines.html
• If you believe you have been unlawfully evicted or if you need legal advice, you should consult
with an attorney. If you need low or no-cost legal help, visit lawhelpca.org and/or Tenant
• Legal Aid Society of San Diego – 1-877-534-2524
• CSA San Diego County: www.c4sa.org/ (619) 444-5700
Rental and Security Deposit Resources
• County of San Diego security deposit program: Security Deposit Assistance Program
(sandiegocounty.gov) (858) 694-4801
• Veteran’s assistance: gov Home | Veterans Affairs 1-800-827-1000
Utility Resources
• SDGE CARES program: CARE and FERA Programs | San Diego Gas & Electric
(sdge.com) 1-877-646-5525
• Statewide utility assistance: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (ca.gov) California
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program | Benefits.gov (916) 376-7109; 1-866-675-6623
Landlord Resources
• Mortgage assistance program: California Mortgage Relief Program | (camortgagerelief.org)
• County of San Diego small landlord program: Rental Assistance for Small Landlords
(sandiegocounty.gov) (858) 694-4801
For more information and updates, visit www.chulavistaerap.com.
