The increase in short-term vacation rentals has caused rental prices for long-term rentals to skyrocket in the Morongo Basin. This makes it difficult for low-income residents to find a place they can afford, especially if they need to put up first and last month’s rent and a security deposit. Managing editor Tami Roleff says several organizations have received block grants from the state to help low-income residents find emergency and temporary housing…
The state’s Homeless Emergency Aid Program is distributing $500 million in block grants to cities and organizations around the state, and several groups in the Morongo Basin have received grants of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Wayne Hamilton, who works with the school district to help homeless students and their families, says the funds will be used to pay deposits for rent or utilities for low-income residents, and help families find temporary, bridge, or emergency housing while they search for a more permanent home. The money is paid to the landlords to encourage landlords to rent to low-income residents. An informational meeting that explains the program and the incentives for landlords will be held 10 a.m. July 30 at the Sportsman’s Club in Joshua Tree. Lunch will be provided. For more information about the program, call Hamilton at 760-401-0375. To reserve your spot at the program, call Tina McPherson at 760-285-0715.
