Washington—Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris (both D-Calif.) announced today that Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue approved their request for funding to help keep 119 low-income, rural California residents in their homes.

The senators requested that USDA use a portion of its $40 million surplus to help maintain affordable rents for the residents through the department’s Rural Rental Housing program.

“I’m relieved to hear these families will be able to stay in their homes,” said Senator Feinstein. “Through no fault of their own, they were facing a steep rent increase in August. I want to thank Secretary Perdue for recognizing their need and helping find the additional funds necessary to keep their rents affordable.”

“It is our duty as a nation to look after our most vulnerable populations, including seniors and people with disabilities,” said Senator Harris. “I’m grateful that this funding has been secured to support 119 rural Californians who no longer have to live in fear of eviction or having their lives upended.”

Due to a lapse in funding, the residents of 23 California Department of Housing and Community Development rental housing developments were facing a steep increase in rent and possible displacement by August 31.

Many of these households are families with children, seniors or people with disabilities that rely on rental subsidies to hold their rent below 25 percent of household income.

Letter to Secretary Perdue

Response from Secretary Perdue

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