Pilot Rental Assistance Program

About the Program

From December 15, 2025 to June 30, 2026, or until program funds are exhausted, the City of Salinas Pilot Rental Assistance Program (RAP) will provide short-term financial relief and supportive services to residents facing eviction due to non-payment of rent. The program aims to help households remain in stable housing, prevent displacement, and reduce the risk of homelessness.

The City of Salinas partners with Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) and ECHO Housing to administer RAP services. Eligible Residents may contact these agencies directly to apply for assistance.

All rental assistance payments are issued directly to landlords to ensure timely support and proper use of funds. RAP also connects households with community resources that promote long-term stability by, addressing both immediate financial needs and underlying factors contributing to housing insecurity.

Program End Date: RAP is scheduled to conclude on June 30, 2026. Future funding for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 will be considered by the Salinas City Council in June 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the City of Salinas Pilot Rental Assistance Program, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• City residency – Must be a resident of the City of Salinas
• First-time assistance – Must be a first-time recipient of Homeless Prevention assistance from the City of Salinas
• Valid lease – Must have a valid 12-month lease for the rental unit
• Eviction notice – Must provide evidence of receiving a 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit
• Income eligibility – Household income must be at or below 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
• Rental arrears limit – Must be no more than three months behind on rent
• No duplicate assistance – Cannot currently be receiving rental subsidies or financial assistance from another program
• Rental counseling – Must agree to participate in rental counseling
• Landlord participation – Landlord must be willing to participate in the program

Note: Assistance is limited to a one-time payment.

Review and Processing Timeline

1. Applicants and landlords will receive written notice of approval or denial within 7 days of submitting a completed application.
2. Approval notices will include an estimated payment timeline, typically 2-4 weeks, depending on internal processing.
3. Denied applicants may request a secondary review within 10 business days of the denial notice.

How To Apply

Applicants may begin the application process by contacting the agencies below directly for assistance and intake services:

City of Salinas Households with minor children are encouraged to contact:

Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) – Connections Program

The Connections Program supports homeless, foster, and justice-involved youth and their families by providing services that promote educational, emotional, social, and physical well-being. The program follows the City of Salinas Rental Assistance Program requirements. 

Phone: (831) 755-0300 ext. 1484.  Website: Connections Program - Monterey County Office of Education

City of Salinas Households without minor children are encouraged to contact:

ECHO Housing

ECHO Housing assists City of Salinas residents with delinquent rent due to temporary financial hardship. The program follows all City of Salinas Rental Assistance Program requirements.

Phone: (831) 566-0824. Website: Programs - Eden Council for Hope and Opportunity

Initial Required Documentation

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Completed application
• Most recent lease agreement
• 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit
• Identification and income documentation for all household members

Once a completed application and required documents are submitted, a team member will follow up to complete an initial intake within 7 days. The initial intake begins with the collection of standard documentation required for all programs. Additional documents Individual may be requested depending on the agency administering the program.

Forms