To assist renters during these unprecedented times, California Assemblymember, Reggie Jones-Sawyer launched a new rental assistance program for the residence of the 59th Assembly District. “These are very challenging times for many of the residents in my district and throughout the state. Me, and my colleagues in the legislature, have been working to provide relief to renters as well as landlords, and I just want to make sure everyone has the necessary information to access these programs and resources during these challenging times,” stated Assembly Member Jones-Sawyer.
The 4-term assemblymember has been actively and aggressively working throughout his district, operating almost daily grocery distribution programs, working to ensure the residents of his district have access to testing facilities for COVID-19 and trying to assist those affected by the pandemic in every and any way possible.
We want to make sure that everyone knows about these programs which are currently available:
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities have emergency assistance grants that can help you to pay your rent. www.catholiccharitiesla.org/strengthen-communities/
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army offers special one-time assistance to help you pay your rent.www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/get_help_paying_rent.html
Modest Needs
Modest Needs offers Self Sufficiency Grants of up to $1,000 to cover one emergency expense.www.modestneeds.org/for-applicants/
The Assemblymember was also active in helping push through State Assembly Bill 1436. This state legislation specifically enacts the COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act of 2020. The Act would halt evictions of any tenants who attest that they are facing COVID-19 related financial stress until either 90 days after the state of emergency has ended or until April 1, 2021. Landlords will not be able to pay off any missed rent with the renter’s security deposit. They would also be unable to charge tenants late fees under COVID-19 stress or end a tenancy. Landlords would also be unable to legally collect any missed rent by affected tenants until either 15-months after the state of emergency, or until April 1, 2022. AB 1436 also has similar rules in place for lenders and homeowners with mortgages. COVID-19 stressed borrowers can ask for a forbearance of payments lasting until either 90-days after the state of emergency has ended or until April 1, 2021.
Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer said he also wants to make it’s easier for residents to access other state programs, including unemployment through the EDD and has placed a link directly to EDD on his assembly website to assist with navigating and applying for EDD (unemployment).
He encourages anyone who needs assistance to contact his office at (213) 744-2111 to discuss their specific situation and he encourages everyone to stay safe, stay healthy, and remain informed.
