Gloria proposes $5M legal fund to aid renters

SAN DIEGO

Mayor Todd Gloria announced Monday a proposal to create a $5 million legal defense fund for tenants, using federal pandemic relief money the city has received.

The program, which Gloria will formally propose to the City Council on Oct. 5, would provide eviction prevention education and legal assistance to tenants struggling with rent or other issues because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am asking the City Council to work with me to create a legal aid program to help San Diegans who are under the threat of eviction,” Gloria said.

Councilmember Stephen Whitburn expressed support.

“I’m pleased the mayor is looking ahead at how we can provide information and assistance to renters in the event they face eviction,” Whitburn said at a news conference. “Evictions can often lead to homelessness, and we simply can’t afford to have more San Diegans living on the streets.”

Under Gloria’s proposal, the San Diego Housing Commission would oversee the program.

San Diego received $250 million in federal pandemic relief in spring 2020, and the city was awarded an additional $308 million last spring.

On Monday, Gloria said he is also working with federal officials on a program that could provide additional rental assistance funding to local governments that have been highly successful in getting relief out to tenants and landlords.

He touted San Diego’s program for providing millions in rent relief to thousands of tenants.

The city’s rent relief program may become more crucial when the state’s temporary ban on evictions expires Thursday. Assembly Bill 832 provides additional state protections for renters that take effect Friday.

For details about the city program, visit sdhc.org/covid19hsap. Applications can be submitted at covidassistance.sdhc.org.

Immigration status does not affect whether a household qualifies. Applications can be submitted on behalf of tenants, including by landlords.

The Legal Aid Society of San Diego says tenants served with eviction notices should call (877) 534-2524 for help.

david.garrick@sduniontribune.com