Milpitas launches second round of rent relief program

Rent relief

Milpitas is launching the second round of a rent relief program to help low-income and homeless residents get back on their feet.

The city allocated $773,341 in state Permanent Local Housing Allocation dollars for the program, and partnered with the software platform FORWARD to roll it out. The first round of the Workforce Housing Rental Assistance Program launched in April 2024 and is providing 22 households with rental assistance for 24 months. Round 2 will provide financial assistance for up to 28 residents struggling with housing-related costs.

“By building on the success of the first round, we’re able to expand access, strengthen support for residents facing housing insecurity and help ensure more households have the foundation they need to thrive,” Adnan Mahmud, CEO of FORWARD Platform, said in a release.

To qualify, applicants must be employed adults making at or below 30% of the Housing & Community Development (HCD) Area Median Income. The money will go directly to landlords to ensure it is used for rent-related expenses.

For more information and to apply, visit https://bit.ly/4pgeqdO.

Water 101 Academy

Valley Water is accepting applications for its Water 101 Academy until 5 p.m. on Jan. 9.

Water 101 Academy is a free program for adults in Santa Clara County to promote water awareness, address misinformation and support community initiatives like creek cleanups and flood preparedness outreach. Directors chooses three candidates from their district to create the 21-member cohort, who will learn about the local water system and the agency’s projects through webinars and tours of water infrastructure.

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/45w4t4W.