10-06-2020 El Centro de la RazaAgreement with El Centro de la Raza
for COVID-19 Rental Assistance
CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 6, 2020
1
Policy Question
Should City Council approve the proposed Agreement with El Centro de
la Raza for rental assistance in response to COVID-19 to be funded with
CARES Act funds?
2
Scope of Rent Delinquency
▪It is estimated that between 5 and 10% of tenants in Washington have not
paid full rent since April.
▪In Federal Way, 5 to 10% of renters is between 800 and 1,600 households.
▪That means Federal Way residents could owe as much as $5 to $10 million in
past due rent.
3
Housing and COVID-19
▪The eviction moratorium currently expires on October 15.
▪Housing stability is always important with COVID-19 adding new
complexity.
•Increased potential for spread of the virus in shelters and with households that are
doubled up –retaining housing is essential for stopping the spread of the virus.
•The scope of long-term impacts on financial and housing stability has increased since
so many people are behind on rent, which will impact recovery.
4
Recommendation
▪Provide $500,000 to El Centro de la Raza to provide rent assistance to
low-and moderate-income households impacted by COVID-19.
▪El Centro de la Raza is prepared to quickly expand their rent
assistance using a mix of virtual access modes.
▪Rent assistance will be available through November 10, provided
funding is not exhausted.
5
Questions?
AGREEMENT WITH EL CENTRO DE LA RAZA FOR COVID -19 RENTAL
ASSISTANCE
OCTOBER 6, 2020
STAFF CONTACT: SARAH BRIDGEFORD, COMMUNITY SERVICES MANAGER
6