We recognize there is a lot happening right now - in Escondido and beyond - but there is an important action we can take locally to help alleviate some of our housing problem. There is an important upcoming City Council vote regarding expiring HUD HOME funds that could be used to provide much-needed rental assistance to struggling Escondido residents.

On January 28, the City Council will vote on an amendment to the Consolidated (Housing) Plan that determines how these funds are spent. In advance of that vote, we are asking as many residents as possible to submit a public comment.

Submit a public comment here:

LINK to Public Comment Online Submission Page

You may either copy and paste the statement below into the online comment form:

Re: Agenda Item 8 

"I would like the City Council to spend the expiring HOME funds on rental subsidies for income qualifying residents of ALL ages - NOT only seniors on the Section 8 waiting list." 

-OR- 

Write your own comment using the information (and links) below.

Rather than accepting the proposal from City staff (outlined here:  LINK to 1/28 Agenda (Item 8 page 60)), we are asking the City Council to prioritize expiring HOME funds for where they are most needed:

• A rental subsidy program, such as  Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)

Specifically, we ask the City Council to amend the Consolidated Plan to:

• Serve any income-eligible household in Escondido

• Expand the targeting of rental assistance to establish a preference for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, in addition to seniors;

• Include households not currently on the Section 8 waiting list (since that waitlist will be closing soon)

• Allow for income-based subsidy amounts, rather than flat-rate subsidies.

To ensure the effective and timely use of these funds, we further ask that the City:

• Acknowledge that, given current home prices in Escondido, the First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program is not effectively serving those who qualify; 

• Partner with local organizations, such as Interfaith Community Services, to help individuals transition from temporary to permanent housing through rental assistance. 

  Thank you for taking the time to engage on this issue and for making your voice heard.