County Launches Housing Wave

Press release from the County of Santa Cruz:

June 3, 2021

For the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the County of Santa Cruz provided
safe shelter, food and critical services to more than 800 local residents who lack
housing. As we emerge from the pandemic, the County is asking for the
community’s help in finding and supporting transitions to permanent housing for
individuals who may otherwise experience a return to homelessness.

The County is launching Rehousing Wave to support temporarily sheltered
individuals and families in securing permanent housing. Funded primarily
through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and
approved by the Board of Supervisors, the Rehousing Wave represents the
largest effort to rehouse formerly homeless individuals in County history and
helps meet the objectives of the County’s three-year strategic framework for
addressing homelessness.

Just as efforts to house and protect individuals during the pandemic was a
collaboration with community partners including 260 local residents employed
throughout the sheltering system, Rehousing Wave also builds on the spirit of
collaboration. Housing Matters, Abode Services (Abode), the Community Action
Board (CAB), the Santa Cruz County Veterans Memorial Building Board of
Trustees, the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz and especially local
property owners and managers will play vital roles in this effort.

“Our efforts to protect individuals experiencing homelessness during the
pandemic were successful, but we face a new potential crisis – the loss of federal
funding to support COVID-related sheltering efforts,” said Robert Ratner, director
of the County’s new Housing for Health Division. “As we transition out of the
pandemic, it is imperative that our community come together to support these
individuals so that they may continue their journeys toward wellness, stability,
and dignity.”

This effort will not be successful without the support and commitment of local
landlords, who have a chance to reduce local homelessness while providing local
families and individuals a foundation to improve their lives.

"My experience as a landlord has only been positive and rewarding. I'm helping
families find a place they can call home,” said Jana Rinaldi, a landlord who has
helped provide housing for individuals exiting homelessness. “The fact that both
tenant and landlord are supported in the process is a win win for both."

The Rehousing Wave needs property owners and housing providers who can
help those who need a home. To ensure a smooth and mutually beneficial
housing partnership, Rehousing Wave offers financial security and personalized
support, as well as assuring individuals and families seeking housing are provided
the supportive services necessary to become optimal tenants.

Benefits of the Rehousing Wave include:
• Housing providers are guaranteed, on-time monthly payments from a local
non-profit organization
• Financial incentives will be available for property owners/housing
providers
• A single point of contact will be assigned to property owners/housing
providers to help resolve any tenant concerns
• Resident support services will be provided and tenants will be offered a
case manager to support their long-term success as tenants

The Rehousing Wave is looking forward to partnering with housing providers to
secure homes for individuals and families in need in Santa Cruz County.
Interested property owners/housing providers can contact Shiri Gradek at
sgradek@abodeservices.org or call 510-435-8881. More information is available at
http://homelessactionpartnership.org/RehousingWave.aspx.

The Rehousing Wave is also collecting monetary and supply donations to support
households with transitioning to permanent housing. The Santa Cruz Veterans
Hall Board of Trustees is coordinating this effort. Individuals interested in making
a donation can visit veteranshall.org for more information, or contact Chris
Cottingham at director@vetshall.org or call 650-303-8221.

The Santa Cruz County Housing for Health Division oversees the county’s
housing crisis services system and is responsible for implementing the county’s
plan to reduce homelessness, “Housing for a Healthy Santa Cruz: A Strategic
Framework for Addressing Homelessness in Santa Cruz County.”

This press release was produced by the County of Santa Cruz. The views expressed here are the author’s own.