Feb. 19 is the deadline to apply for more than $3.6 million; Webinars set for Jan. 29

Special to The Post

An annual funding opportunity is now open for developers and nonprofits considering projects focused on the creation of affordable housing, community infrastructure and other services in Marin County – especially those designed to assist local lower-income households. All told, $3.6 million is on the table.

As of Jan. 22, applications are being accepted within the County of Marin’s annual funding cycle for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) grants. Both are administered by the Marin County Community Development Agency (CDA), which leverages several local, state, and federal funding sources for the programs.

CDA also administers the State of California’s Permanent Local Housing Allocation, including a 1-to-1 match from the Marin Affordable Housing Fund. This year, in partnership with the City of San Rafael, applicants may also apply for City of San Rafael Affordable Housing Trust Funds (AHTP) through the same application.

Local agencies have until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, to apply for the funds. Application webinars will be held online Wednesday, Jan. 29, to provide details to potential applicants.

Many residents struggle to meet basic needs with housing, health, childcare, and food security. Marin has one of the highest median household incomes in California – $186,600 for a family of four. However, it also has some of the highest home prices and development costs in the country. The median local price for a single-family, detached home has neared $1.8 million in recent months, and typical rents range from $2,500 to $3,400.

There is increasing pressure on charitable organizations to provide help. The federal grants program offers funding to those nonprofits delivering key services to the community with a minimum grant size of $15,000.

Application materials for the 2025 cycle are available on CDA’s Notice of Funding Availability webpage and in CDA’s Marin County Civic Center office at 3501 Civic Center Drive, Suite 308, in San Rafael. The office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. 4 p.m.

Applications are assessed on how they meet funding priorities and goals, affirmatively further fair housing, serve low-income residents and serve local members of protected classes based on race, gender, disability, and other factors. The grants are not available to individuals; those in need of housing assistance and resources are encouraged to review the County’s Housing Help webpage.

During the Jan. 29 webinars, participants will learn more about the application process, types of eligible projects, and new project requirements. The sessions are organized into two distinct presentations:

• 1:30-2:30 p.m. – Community Infrastructure (Capital) and Public Service Projects
• 2:30-3:30 p.m. – Housing Projects

CDA staff members are available throughout the application process to consult with organizations unable to attend the online sessions. Office hours will be held throughout the application process; register via the division’s webpage. For more details, email the Housing and Federal Grants Division.

Staff will review applications and conduct public hearings about recommended allocations this spring. By June, the Board of Supervisors will hold a final public hearing and make recommendations to be submitted to the federal government. Approved allocations would be received by the applicants by autumn.

The County of Marin Media Relations Department is the source for this story.

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media  

Rising prices and inflation has left more than half of California’s low-income households struggling financially. In 2024, 29% of residents reported that they or someone in their household has cut back on food to save money, according to a December Public Policy Institute of California report. Many Californians, including 40% of lower-income adults, worry daily about the cost of housing.

“Only one in three Californians think that the American Dream – including the notion that if you work hard, you’ll get ahead –holds true,” stated the report regarding people’s outlook on the current economic condition.

The financial hardships are widespread, as 23% of Californians have experienced reduced work hours, 22% have struggled to pay rent or mortgages, and 21% have been unable to pay a monthly bill. Many also faced health-related financial difficulties, with 20% postponing medical visits or medication purchases, while others sought assistance through programs like CalFresh or food banks.

These difficulties are most pronounced for lower-income households, particularly those earning under $20,000 annually. Renters are especially vulnerable, with 34 percent reporting difficulty paying for housing, compared to just 12 percent of homeowners. Minority groups, particularly African Americans and Latinos, are more likely to report financial hardships than Asian Americans and whites. Among lower-income Californians, younger, less-educated individuals, and those making under $20,000 a year are most likely to experience these challenges.

Despite national indicators showing steady employment growth and lower inflation, many Californians continue to face low wages, particularly given the state’s high cost of living.

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By Post Staff

The Oakland Housing Authority will hold a lottery for 5,000 new spots on the Section 8 voucher waitlist, which low-income households can use to pay part of their rent.

Applications will be accepted Jan. 7 through Jan. 26 for the new spots on the list. The last time the waitlist opened was in 2011.

Recipients of the Section 8 vouchers, now called Housing Choice Vouchers pay 30-40% of their monthly income rent and utilities, while the voucher will cover the rest.

Interested individuals and households can apply online or in person at Oakland Housing Authority locations: including at 1327 65th Ave., 1540 Webster St., and 935 Union St. (See dates and times online.)

The Housing Authority “encourages every family seeking affordable housing in Oakland to apply to the waiting list lottery,” Spokesperson Kelsey Frost said. “We have staff to assist with the process, including in-person application kiosks at several locations, multilingual translation, and assistance for persons who may need additional support with the process.”

At the close of the application period, the housing authority will conduct a lottery to select the 5,000 households that will be placed on the waitlist. Depending on their spot on the list, selected households could receive a voucher in a few weeks or have to wait for years.

Eligible applicants must make under 50% of the median income for the area, which is under $77,850 for a family of four or under $62,300 for a family of two.

For information on applying for Section 8, call  customer service at 510-587-2100 or go online to  LHcustomerservice@oakha.org  or https://myohaportal.oakha.org.

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