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Check out this list of resources below to see if you qualify for any of the affordable housing programs already in place.
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- Measure J: Measure J is the name of the 1978 voter initiative that created Santa Cruz County’s Below Market Rate housing program. Through the approval of Measure J, voters set the requirement that all housing construction projects that meet the guidelines designate a certain percentage of the units as affordable to moderate-income households. In addition, units must remain affordable for future homebuyers through permanent resale price controls. On average, 10-12 units are sold annually. Today, as a result of this program, there are approximately 500 affordable homes located throughout the unincorporated areas of the County.
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- Measure O: Measure O is a voter-approved initiative that requires developers of residential projects to provide a certain percentage of the total number of units as affordable to moderate, low or very-low income households. This requirement may be met by various options, one of which is for the developer to build the units and designate them as either for-sale units or as rental units. All Measure O units remain affordable through a long-term or permanent deed restriction recorded against the property.
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- Deposit Assistance Programs for Renters: The Housing Authority administers several Security Deposit Programs for jurisdiction in Santa Cruz County. These Security Deposit Programs offer eligible individuals and families assistance with a portion of their security deposit.
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- Downpayment Assistance Programs for Homeowners: The purpose of the CalHome Program is to enable low-income households to become homeowners or improve the safety of their homes. These Grants are provided to local public agencies and nonprofit developers to assist individual households through deferred-payment loans. Grants are awarded through a competitive process after the issuance of a Notice Of Funding Availability (NOFAs).
