OJAI : $23,500 Allocated to Housing Aid Plan
A loan program that helps homeless or disadvantaged renters afford housing has received a financial boost from Ojai officials.
The Ojai Redevelopment Agency voted this week to allocate $23,500 to continue the loan program, at least through the middle of next year.
The Ventura County Commission on Human Concerns hands out the funds as grants and zero-interest loans to people who need rent and deposit money to move into an Ojai home or apartment.
Last year, 16 loans averaging about $700 each were awarded during the program’s first year, said Elaine Willman, who coordinates the program for the city.
Applicants are screened to meet several criteria, including whether they have a “strong tie” to Ojai, she said. They must also be either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, living in an abusive domestic situation, handicapped or elderly.
The $23,500 allocation, which is expected to provide 26 more loans, is derived from property taxes within the city’s downtown Redevelopment Area.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
