New Rental Assistance Program to Aid Low-Income Workers

In a groundbreaking initiative, Milpitas is leading the way in ensuring housing stability for its most vulnerable residents and workers. In collaboration with FORWARD, a trusted program administrator for local governments, Milpitas has initiated the Workforce Housing Rental Assistance Program (WHRAP)—a significant endeavor designed to support all low-income community members.

Equipped with $773,341 in Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) funding, the WHRAP is set to deliver 24 months of rental assistance to up to 50 households. To qualify, applicants must have incomes at or below 30% of the Housing and Community Development (HCD) income levels and live or work within the city limits.

Mayor Carmen Montano asserted Milpitas's solid promise to its people: "This program reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring that members of our community have a safety net as they face challenges associated with housing instability."

Eligibility criteria for the program are stringent to ensure aid reaches the most deserving. Applicants need to be employed upon applying, earn at or below the threshold of 30% of HCD median income levels, and pass housing inspections set by the city to align with PLHA guidelines. 

Eligible households, importantly, must include at least one adult who is both living and working in Milpitas, living in the city and working elsewhere, or conversely, working in Milpitas but residing in another city.

The Milpitas City Council has entrusted FORWARD with the responsibilities of the program administrator, which include conducting community outreach, supporting applications, and verifying eligibility. FORWARD outshines its multilingual online application portal, which supports 68 languages, and its capacity to offer application support through phone, text, and email in various languages.

Applicants must submit proof of identity, a recent pay stub or other income verification, and evidence of a current lease or other documentation demonstrating a pattern of rent payments.

The city of Milpitas and FORWARD are determined to make the WHRAP a success story, not just in the policy pages but in the lived experiences of Milpitas residents. As the city moves forward with this program, its commitment to its workforce is clear—it's not just about building houses but building a community that sustains and supports all its members.

Local residents seeking more details or interested in applying can find comprehensive information at www.forwardplatform.com/city-of-milpitas-workforce-housing-rental-assistance-program. This marks the beginning of an essential resource for financial relief and housing stability in Milpitas.