Pilot program for older adults offers rental subsidy

THE County of San Diego Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities is launching a pilot program to provide 222 seniors at risk of experiencing homelessness a rental subsidy.

This program was approved by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors last September. Eligible adults over 55 years old would be provided $500 a month for 18 months to help them stabilize. Assistance payments are anticipated to begin this spring.

San Diego’s 55 years or older population is expected to balloon to more than 1.1 million people by 2030.

“Older adults, in particular people on fixed incomes, are struggling with rising rents and represent a growing part of our homeless population,” said Barbara Jiménez, Community Operations Officer who oversees the Department of Homeless Solutions & Equitable Communities. “This pilot program will help people remain in their homes while also offering light case management services to connect participants to supportive services.”

According to the 2022 We All Count Pointin-Time Count, 25 percent of people who were unsheltered were 55 years and older.

Eligible applicants must:

• Have a household income at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income.

• Be using more than half of their income toward housing.

• Have their name on the lease or rental agreement.

• Have a landlord willing to participate in the program.

• Not be receiving any other rental subsidies.

• Sign consent forms to participate in the program.

Pilot program participants who meet the eligibility criteria will be selected at random. To apply for this rental subsidy, email your full name and contact information to HSEC-OHS. HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov or call 619-980-4168. Application assistance and translation services will be provided. (Cassie Klapp/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

California Volunteers is recruiting fellows from participating colleges for next academic years’ program, helping thousands of students pay for college by serving their community

SACRAMENTO — On Wednesday, February

1, California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday and California Volunteers, Office of the Governor announced applications are now open for next year’s #CaliforniansForAll College Corps. More than 3,000 students will be selected from partner campuses to participate during the 2023-2024 academic year.

College Corps is a statewide, paid service program, launched during the 2022-2023 academic year, which provides meaningful work to college students in exchange for serving their community. The program helps participants graduate on time and with less debt while gaining valuable work experience. Students will receive up to $10,000 for completing up to 450 hours of community service.

“Giving back to your community through service is at the very heart of what it means to be a Californian – and that’s what College Corps is all about. There’s nothing more valuable than getting hands-on with service projects that make our state a better place for all,” said Governor Gavin Newsom,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

Through their service, College Corps Fellows contribute to tackling the biggest issues facing our state. Fellows will work in their communities to tutor and mentor low-income students, distribute meals to those facing food insecurity and take climate action.

“In California, if you are willing to serve your community and give back in a meaningful way, we are going to help you pay for college. This is a win-win-win. Helping to pay for college, gaining valuable work experience, and having a meaningful impact on your community,” said California Chief Service Officer Fryday.

California has an estimated 75,000 undocumented students who don’t qualify for federal work-study or most job opportunities, and often struggle to make ends meet. However, College Corps is uniquely open to AB 540 CA Dream Act Students, ensuring that at participating campuses, all eligible California college students have a chance to earn money while serving their community.

“As an AB 540 CA Dream Act student, joining the College Corps program was the best decision I made for my education. I can cover my educational expenses, gain work experience, and make a difference in my community,” said Wendi Lizola, Sacramento State College Corps Fellow. “Students will no longer feel limited due to their background. College students should definitely apply to the program today!”

In the first four years of this new program, College Corps will engage more than 12,000 California undergraduates to make a positive difference in their communities. This service and career development program will help build a diverse generation of leaders prepared to transform California for the better. Funding was made possible by the efforts of Governor Newsom and lawmakers.

Priority application deadline is March 15, 2023, but the final deadline will vary by campus. Program details, deadlines and applications are available at www.CACollegeCorps.com.

(California Volunteers, Office of the Governor Release) n