More than 6,000 San Diegans will gain access to housing stability, healthcare and mental health support through $750,000 in new grants announced last week by San Diego Foundation (SDF). These grants are part of SDF’s San Diego Unity Fund, which helps nonprofits provide a safety net for people and families facing critical needs.
Grants will help families avoid eviction, provide access to healthcare services, and bring suicide prevention training to thousands of students across the region.
The awarded grants include $350,000 to the Urban League of San Diego County to prevent homelessness for 50 households at imminent risk through direct payments to landlords. Recipients will also receive one-on-one financial counseling from a HUD-certified housing counselor.
County Raises Incentives for Landlords Renting to Veterans
The County has increased leasing bonuses five-fold for landlords who rent to veterans experiencing homelessness, aiming to bring more rental units into the system and expand landlord participation.
The County’s Landlord Incentive Program now offers a $2,500 leasing bonus to every newly leased unit, up from $500.
The expanded incentive is funded by a $1.67 million state allocation secured by Sen. Catherine Blakespear in last year’s state budget.
The incentive program provides a range of support to property owners, including risk mitigation funds, reimbursement of application-related expenses and dedicated staff who work directly with landlords throughout the leasing process.
The County encourages landlords interested in giving back to those who have served to submit an interest form at https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/ (search “Landlords”).
County’s “Oops Tag” Campaign Aims to Reduce Recycling Contamination
If you notice someone lifting lids on your waste bin or get an “Oops” tag on collection day, there is no need for concern. It’s all part of County Public Works (DPW) efforts to help residents sort their trash, recycling and organic waste correctly.
These brief inspections, also known as “lid flips”, are required under state law Senate Bill 1383.
Inspections will take place on collection days within the unincorporated area. Starting as early as 6 a.m., County representatives will lift the lid and briefly scan items visible on top. They will not dig through waste bins or open bags, and the contents of all tagged bins will still be collected unless they contain hazardous waste.
Receiving an “oops” tag doesn’t result in any penalties. It simply provides information to help avoid mistakes.
Important Reminders – Do not:
- Place batteries or other household hazardous waste (HHW) in bins.
- Recycle plastic bags.
- Bag recyclables. Items should be loose.
