On March 2, renters in the San Diego region will have the opportunity to apply for grants for rental and utility assistance.

Thanks to the County of San Diego's Emergency Rental Assistance Program, low-income renters who are experiencing a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be eligible for financial help.

According to the County News Center, those eligible for the grants must be renting and have experienced a financial hardship like a reduction in household income that is directly or indirectly related to COVID-19. Those who have qualified for unemployment during the pandemic are also eligible.

Households must also earn no more than 80% area median income or either be at risk of homelessness or experiencing housing instability in order to qualify for the assistance.

However, "First priority will be given to applicants whose household income is at or below 50% of area median income and households that have one or more members who have been unemployed at least 90 days from the date of application. Applications will be further prioritized to reach single-parent households and residents who live in areas that have less access to healthy opportunities based on the Healthy Places Index."

You can find more information on eligibility criteria and how to apply for the program here.

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