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California

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 25, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in California, we recommend that you visit the Secretary of State's website or the California COVID-19 portal.

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Description of Program and Relief

Waitlists Opening for Section 8 and Below Market Housing Programs

Beginning Friday, May 1, 2020 at 8 a.m. PST, the City of Santa Monica will open online applications for individuals and households to be placed on waitlists for its Section 8 and Below Market Housing (“BMH”) programs.

The Section 8 program provides rental subsidies to families whose income does not exceed a certain amount to help pay rent. The BMH program offers housing at a rent that is significantly lower than market rate for households that earn below a specified income.

Government or Lead Agency

City of Santa Monica, Housing Division

Dates Available

May 1, 2020 at 8 a.m. until TBD

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

For Section 8 housing, applicants should have income levels pursuant to the guidelines listed here. Certain applicants will be given priority over others based on specific prioritization rules, listed here.

For the Below Market Housing program, individuals must (1) earn below a specified income, pursuant to the guidelines listed here, and (2) live or work in Santa Monica. Applicants will be given priority over others based on specific prioritization rules, listed here.

To take advantage of this program, individuals and families do not have to show that their financial hardship is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

The waitlists will be open for applications May 1, 2020 at 8 a.m. PST, with no end date announced.

Contact for More Information

The Santa Monica Housing Division is available to help applicants through the process, particularly those who require reasonable accommodation due to a disability or language assistance. For support, leave a message at (310) 458-2232 after applications open on May 1, 2020.

List of Additional Information

To apply for either program, click here.

For more general information, click here.

For more information on the Section 8 program, click here.

For more information on the BMH program, click here.

To view the press release, click here.


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