La Mesa Older Adult Rental Assistance - JFSSD
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La Mesa Older Adult Rental Assistance

City of La Mesa’s Older Adult Rental Assistance Program, operated by Jewish Family Service

Are you an Older Adult who lives in the City of La Mesa and needs support to pay your rent?

You may qualify for monthly rent assistance and case management if:

  • You are a City of La Mesa Resident
  • The head of the household is 55 years of age or older.
  • You have a legal obligation to pay rent and a current lease/rental agreement.
  • You have a landlord who is willing to participate in the program and provide necessary documentation including a W-9.
  • You are not receiving another flat rental subsidy in the County.
  • Your household is:
    • Low-income at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). See chart below.
    • Severely rent-burdened as defined by Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as more than 50% of income is going to housing, or you are at risk of losing housing.

Priority will be given to:

  • Heads of household who are 65 or older.
  • Households at or below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Family Size 30% of AMI
Extremely Low Income
50% of AMI
Very Low Income
1 $31,850 $53,050
2 $36,400 $60,600
3 $40,950 $68,200
4 $45,450 $75,750
5 $49,100 $81,850
6 $52,750 $87,900
7 $56,400 $93,950
8 $60,0000 $100,000

Join Us to Learn More

We are hosting Information Sessions and Office Hours at the
City of La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center,
8450 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91942.

Attend an Info Session

March 20, 2025

10:30‒11:30am, 6:00‒7:00pm

Book an Appointment

Please call (619) 667-1322 in advance to reserve a 20-minute appointment.

March 24, 2025  |  1:00‒4:00pm

March 26, 2025  |  9:00am‒12:00pm

March 27, 2025  |  4:00‒7:00pm

OR

For general questions, call (858) 637-3217.

How to Apply

Book an appointment. Please bring the following documents:

  • Valid Identification (driver’s license, state-issued photo ID or passport)
  • Lease Agreement
  • Proof of Income (SSI, disability statement, most recent paystub

Please call (619) 667-1322 in advance to reserve a 20-minute appointment.

OR

Complete the online application

Upload the documents or email [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will I qualify if I live in the unincorporated area of La Mesa?

A: Unfortunately, no. The Older Adult Rental Assistance program is only available for residents of the incorporated City of La Mesa.

Q: I am younger than 55 years old, and my family needs rent assistance. Can this program help?

A: Unfortunately, no. The Head of Household must be 55 years or older to qualify.

Q: Where can I learn more about this rental assistance?

A: Jewish Family Service is hosting two Information Sessions on March 20 from 10:30‒11:30am and 6:00‒7:00pm at the City of La Mesa Enrichment Center. Additionally, we are hosting office hours on March 24, March 26, and March 27. Click HERE to complete the application.

Q: I own my home, and I need help paying my mortgage. Will I qualify for this rental assistance?

A: Unfortunately, no. This program is only available to renters who have a legal obligation to pay rent and a current lease/rental agreement.

Q: I meet all the eligibility requirements. How can I apply?

A: Click HERE to fill out an application online or call (619) 667-1322 to schedule an in-person appointment at the La Mesa Enrichment Center during above office hours or email [email protected].

Q: What kind of documents will be required to qualify?

A: We require Identification, proof of monthly income, and a signed lease from your landlord or property manager.

Q: My landlord is not sure about this program. Will you help talk to my landlord?

A: Yes! JFS will work closely with your landlord/property manager to ensure they understand the program and submit the proper document to receive the $500 rent payment.

Q: If I qualify, will the $500 payment be made payable to me?

A: No, the City of La Mesa will issue a monthly payment directly to your landlord or property manager. JFS will work closely with your landlord/property manager to secure the information necessary to make these payments directly.

Q: I am behind on my rent and may receive a 3-day pay or quit notice. Will this program pay past due rent?

A: Unfortunately, no. This program provides shallow subsidy to Older Adults who are in good standing with their landlord and are not needing eviction prevention services.

Q: What does it mean to be rent burdened?

A: Rent burdened means that 50% of income is going towards housing. For example, if your monthly income is $2,000 and our monthly rent is $1,000, you are considered rent burdened.

Q: I have more questions and would like to speak to someone. Who can I call?

A: Please contact Jewish Family Service at (858) 637-3217.