Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall has announced the an additional $1.1 million to fund existing community housing programs that help residents — including undocumented residents — facing temporary financial crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Salt Lake City is committed to dedicating as much as we can to efforts that benefit families still struggling from job loss or income instability — especially those who have yet to receive federal stimulus dollars,” said Mendenhall. “Housing is of course a top priority, and we’re glad we were able to allocate more funding to help transition individuals experiencing homelessness into permanent housing, and also help those struggling to pay their rent or mortgage.”
The funds will be allocated to three community partner programs focused on specific needs: rapid rehousing, rental assistance and mortgage assistance.
“Many Americans are one paycheck away from homelessness and this issue disproportionately affects our communities of color,” said Lani Eggertsen-Goff, director of the city’s Housing and Neighborhood Development Division. “Each year, the city budgets millions of dollars to housing, but this year the need has grown significantly. This additional funding will make a big difference in the lives of individuals and families.”
The housing funding is in addition to other efforts the city has undertaken to offset financial impacts of the pandemic, including $1 million to the Emergency Loan Program for businesses; a proposed $1.6 million to expand youth and family services programs; expanded efforts to address digital equity; the Tip your Server partnership with Downtown Alliance; a five-month-long temporary suspension of parking meter fees; and #RaiseUpSLC, a fundraising effort focused on providing $500 debit cards to residents in need through the Accelerator for America nonprofit organization.
