I need help with my rent and bills in Spring Valley, CA

(Request from Keiko in Spring Valley, California) I am struggling to keep my head above water but it’s hard. I need help with my rent and bills. I can’t seem to get work anywhere and my husband is not working. Please if their is anyone who can help I’ll pay it forward when I’m able thank you.

Dear Keiko,

It sounds like the lack of income in your household is causing a serious hardship. What we may be looking at is a comprehensive approach to getting you back on track again.

There are two primary needs that we need to address for your situation. The first is helping you retain safe housing that will meet the needs of you and your family. The second need will be to help your husband and possibly yourself with finding new employment. A case manager through one of the local nonprofit organizations or government agencies can likely provide assistance with both needs.

San Diego Housing Commission

Since your current rent is unaffordable due to your income deficiency, you may wish to consider taking advantage of subsidized rent through the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC). This agency provides rental assistance in the form of vouchers that landlords may redeem for partial payment of the monthly rent. The landlord may be any private landlord as long as the property meets minimum requirements on safety and cleanliness and is at or below market rate.

SDHC reserves rental assistance funds primarily for individuals and families who live within the San Diego city limits. Seniors and those with disabilities have a higher chance of obtaining benefits. Call 619-231-9400 to speak with an intake representative. If you do not live within the city limits that you may need to request assistance through the county agency.

Housing Authority of the County of San Diego

Tenants living in San Diego County may be able to qualify for the section 8 program. This program does not necessarily mean that you would be living in a subsidized housing project.

If you receive entry into the Housing Choice Voucher Program, then you could get help with rent and your utilities so that you would never pay more than 30 to 40% of your adjusted monthly income. A waiting list applies and you must complete an application before you may be admitted to the waiting list.

One common hurdle is that you must show is that someone in the home has been working full-time for at least the last six months. There are exceptions though if you have been on unemployment or disability.

You may submit an application online or in person. Call 858-694-4801 if you have any questions regarding the application process.

Community Interface Services

Community Interface Services provides assistance with the section 8 application for subsidized rent. To provide more immediate assistance than is frequently available due to the wait list, an alternate program is provided. The Rental Subsidy Venture Project (RSVP) can help cover a portion of your rent for a monthly subsidy that is paid directly to your landlord. This subsidy usually cuts your share of the rent to around 35% of your monthly income.

Community Interface Services can help with a referral to the RSVP program for eligible applicants. Approval generally favors households that include a family member that has a developmental disability. For more information on help with rent in Spring Valley, contact the organization directly at 760-729-3866.

Reduced Rent Apartments

You may also wish to look for reduced rent apartments that may be available in the Spring Valley area. The easiest way is to call 211 to speak with a United Way representative who can help you locate a suitable option.

Reduced rent apartments tend to offer a greater value over market price apartments since you get a comparable rental property but pay a reduced monthly rent payment. Property managers and landlords usually receive a financial incentive to build or renovate properties which classify as rent-controlled units.