SANTA MONICA—The city of Santa Monica will accept registrations for the Preserving Our Diversity (POD) pilot program starting Monday, November 4.  The Santa Monica City Council approved $2 million to be utilized this summer for the program to assist 250 to 400 seniors in addition to the seniors already receiving assistance.

The POD program provides financial assistance to low-income, long-term Santa Monica senior residents to cover their basic necessities. The cash-based assistance seeks to help senior households achieve a minimum of $700 in income after rent has been covered for a single resident. In a two person household, the POD aims to provide them with a monthly income of $1,225 after rent costs are covered. To be considered for the program, residents must be:

  • Be a senior aged 65 years or older.
  • Have lived in a Santa Monica rent-controlled apartment since or before January 1, 2000.
  • Have an annual household income less than or equal to $36,550 for a one-person household, or $41,800 for a two-person household.

Regular workshops will be held to help with the registration and application process. The first two will be held on November 6, in the morning and afternoon.

  • Virginia Avenue Park from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Santa Monica Main Library from 6 – 8 p.m.

For individuals who meet the above criteria and are interested in applying for POD, register for an application (in English and Spanish) online via computer, tablet, or smartphone, through a secure website at www.santamonica.gov/pod, or by calling the Santa Monica Housing Authority (SMHA) at (310) 458-8743, Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Registration will remain open for interested seniors to register. Following registration, only those who meet the eligibility criteria will receive a follow up application from the city.

All applications submitted to the city will be placed on a waitlist. Applicants will then be selected by lotteries for enrollment on a rolling basis over the next year.

For additional information or questions, visit www.santamonica.gov/pod.