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POD Program

URGENT:  RENT-BURDENED SENIORS SHOULD APPLY FOR CITY RENTAL ASSISTANCE STARTING NOVEMBER 4, 2019

Visit this website for more information: www.smgov.net/pod

Thanks to the efforts of SMRR and its allies, the City is about to greatly expand its pilot program to provide rent-subsidies to seniors who are (1) very low income, (2) severely rent burdened and (3) have lived in their current rent-controlled homes since before January 1, 2000.  It is projected that the expanded pilot program will assist between 200 to 400 such households.  

SMRR urges all potentially eligible seniors to register for an application starting on November 4, 2019 (see details below from City website at www.smgov.net/pod).  SMRR also urges all members to spread the word regarding the expanded program to all of their senior friends and neighbors who might be eligible, and to urge them to register for an application.  If you or someone you know has questions regarding the expanded pilot program, or would like assistance registering for an application, please contact SMRR by email at [email protected] or by phone at 310-394-0848.

Preserving Our Diversity (POD) – Program Status

The Preserving Our Diversity (POD) program provides cash-based assistance to low-income, long-term Santa Monica residents, age 65 and older, who live in rent-controlled apartments and whose inability to pay rent may result in their displacement from Santa Monica. The program began with an initial pilot phase and will soon be opening registration for a second, larger pilot phase. (See the City Council item regarding the POD expansion.)

If you are interested in participating in the POD program, you first must register. Registration opens Monday, November 4, 2019, 9:00 a.m. (Pacific Standard Time).

PLEASE NOTE: REGISTERING IS NOT THE SAME AS APPLYING. ONLY REGISTRANTS WHO MEET THE PROGRAM CRITERIA WILL BE SENT AN APPLICATION FOR THE PROGRAM.

You can register in English or Spanish, online via computer, tablet, or smartphone at smgov.net/pod or by phone at (310) 458-8743 (Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.).  Registrations will be accepted on a continuous basis. If you need to request reasonable accommodation or language assistance to apply, please call (310) 458-8743.

To register for POD, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a senior aged 65 or older; and
  • Have occupied your current Santa Monica rent-controlled apartment since before January 1, 2000; and
  • Have an annual household income equal to or less than Very Low Income (50% Area Median Income) for Los Angeles County, as determined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (see table):
Household Size 1 person 2 persons 3 persons 4 persons
Maximum Income $36,550 $41,800 $47,000 $52,200
Published inAffordable HousingCity CouncilHousing Commission