In an effort to aid residents who are experiencing financial hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city of Alhambra is offering emergency funding for housing assistance.

The funding comes from the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Fund (CBDG-CV) administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Under terms of the grant the city will receive approximately $596,000. The funds will be used primarily for housing assistance, COVID-19 testing and to supplement a meals program for seniors. Details of the testing program, which will be conducted in May, are being finalized and will be announced at a later date.

“Many families are hurting right now because of this emergency,” Mayor Ross Maza said in a statement. “The city wants to help provide some relief in these uncertain times.”

The housing portion, approximately $300,000, will be given out to 200 income-eligible households over a three month period from June to August 2020. The recipients can be either renters or homeowners and will be selected by lottery after qualifications are verified. Each will each will receive $500 a month for each of the three months. Payments will be made directly to landlords or mortgage holders prior to June  1.

To qualify, households must have experienced loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a press release from the city, the households must also:

• Meet HUD low and moderate-income restrictions at no more than  80% of the area median income adjusted to family size
• The owner or renter-occupied unit must be the owner or renter’s primary place of residence.
• Income and housing payment documentation are required.

Applicants must be residents of Alhambra. Applications will be accepted beginning today, April 28, and will continue through May 10. They are available at the city of Alhambra website:  www.cityofalhambra.org/resources/coronavirus-housing-assistance.