SANTA MONICA—On July 22, the City of Santa Monica issued a press release notifying the public that a new program has been launched offering one-time and short-term financial aid for those in need of renter’s assistance.
The new program is funded through Measure GS and administered by The People Concern in partnership with Santa Monica’s Homelessness Prevention and Intervention Division. Santa Monica Renter’s Aid is designed to help those eligible to remain stable and safely housed.
The first available application window is open from now until August 20, 2026. Apply now at Santa Monica Renter Aid.
Santa Monica Mayor, Caroline Torosis issued the following statement.
“Nobody should lose their home over one bad month. Renter Aid puts roughly $6 million directly into the hands of Santa Monica renters who hit a rough patch and connect them with The People Concern so a short-term crisis doesn’t turn into a long term one. Keeping people housed is more cost effective and more humane than helping them after they’ve already lost everything.”
To qualify for Santa Monica Renter’s Aid, households must be a Santa Monica resident in a housing crisis or at risk of losing housing. Recipients must fall within the income eligibility requirements
This program is specifically for low-income households, especially the elderly, those with disabilities, and families with children.
Applicants will be required to provide documentation to verify eligibility. Assistance is not guaranteed.
Those in need of assistance to complete the application may attend a free in-person application on Tuesdays from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at Virginia Avenue Park Center Building located at 2200 Virginia Avenue
Thursdays from 12:30-4:30 p.m. at Main Library located at 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Representatives from The People Concern will also be available at the upcoming State of the City event on Thursday, July 23, 4-7 p.m.
State of the City 2026 is a free community event, taking place on Main Street between Hollister Avenue and Ocean Park Boulevard. Admission is free and the event is open to all ages.
According to Zillow, the average cost to rent an apartment in Santa Monica ranges from $2,169 to $4,594 monthly. The average market rent being approximately $3,490 monthly.
According to the City of Santa Monica’s webpage, low income in Santa Monica is considered less than $137,400 for a family of four. An income of $933-1,439 per person monthly would be considered very low income.
Earnings of $25,600 annually for a family of four would be categorized as extremely low income.
The following information is the data collected on homelessness in 2025(from 2024 Counts).
475 people living outdoors (including at city beaches), a decrease of 4 individuals from 2024’s count. In addition, 202 people lived in shelters. 84 people lived in Vehicles, and 51 lived in tents.
