The City of Escondido has approximately $583,000 in unspent federal HOME funds from 2017–2018 federal grants and these funds must be spent by September 30, 2026, or they may be recaptured by HUD. Many residents have advocated for using them for rental subsidies to help people stay housed. We need to urge the city to spend these funds for desperately needed housing for Escondido residents through rental assistance.

While we are in strong support of the development of affordable housing, in this case we can have both. Expiring HOME funds should be used for immediate benefit NOW to assist residents and the housing project have other funds which can be accessed, HOME funds now are not necessary. Please contact the Mayor and City Council or speak at the April 8 meeting and urge them to direct staff to use these expiring funds to expand the City’s rental subsidy program, and focus funds on immediate help such as:

• Serving the 5,276 Escondido residents currently on the Section 8 waitlist

• Assisting individuals and families transitioning from temporary shelter to permanent housing

Contact them here. Item #9 on the agenda-(Staff report starts pg 173) HOME Funds use and Housing Element for the April 8 City Council Agenda. Housing is a complicated issue and it is seldom that there is an action this clear, easy, and would help so many. Please contact Council today!