Seaside says state-funded rental program kept 64 local households housed

The city of Seaside presented results of its RAP 2025 rental assistance effort on Aug. 6, saying the program kept dozens of households housed by using $630,509 from California’s Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA).

Danny Barrientos, senior administrative assistant in Seaside’s housing department, told council members the program served 64 households and reached 177 residents, 84 of whom were children under 18. "The total households assisted were 64 households," Barrientos said, and staff reported an average assistance package of about $9,400 per household, with a minimum of $1,710 and a maximum of $25,200.

Barrientos said program services focused on residents at or below 30% of area median income and included security deposits, moving costs and up to six months’ rent (or a combination). "This program allowed us to address a very, very big need in our communities," he said, adding applications and bilingual services (English and Spanish) were provided to applicants.

Council members asked the housing team how many applications the program received. Barrientos said staff received 147 applications and used funds to serve the 64 households they could support under the funding limits. He said the program launched in November 2025 after council authorization in February 2024.

Officials described outreach and landlord cooperation as critical. Barrientos said 32 landlords participated, including several larger properties, and staff performed in-person assistance for applicants with barriers such as disability or lack of transportation. In one example cited by Barrientos, two households were living in vehicles and six families were rapidly rehoused through the program.

Councilmembers praised the effort. "I appreciate those are pretty much actions that you took to strategically remove barriers for our community," Councilmember Burks said, noting the share of recipients with children. Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco and others asked about repeat funding; Barrientos said staff are actively seeking additional state and federal opportunities and that success spending state dollars increases the likelihood of future awards.

A resident who used the program, Natasha Henry, described how staff helped her navigate the process and called the assistance "humbling," saying the consistency and professionalism of staff preserved her dignity while getting her re-housed.

What’s next: staff said they will continue outreach to potential funders and will return to the council with additional recommendations if new funding becomes available.