Salt Lake City Introduces New Renter Resource Center, Relocation Assistance
10/30/2024
Salt Lake City and the Community Development Corporation of Utah have launched two new programs to help local renters. These programs are the Tenant Resource Center and the Relocation Assistance Fund for Tenants (RAFT). The goal of the programs is to help prevent displacement.
The Tenant Resource Center will be a one-stop hub offering personalized help for city renters. Navigators from CDCU will connect renters to available local services. These will include help with eviction and affordable housing aid. It will also include support with basic needs like food and childcare. The Center prioritizes low-income households but is open to all SLC renters.
“Every Salt Laker deserves access to stable, affordable housing.” That’s what SLC Mayor Erin Mendenhall had to say about these new programs. “Through [these programs], we’re building a stronger foundation of support for our residents, offering vital resources to renters, and working to ensure Salt Lake City remains a welcoming and inclusive place to call home.”
The Tenant Resource Center is not the only new program launched with CDCU. The RAFT program will offer financial aid to renters displaced by new development. Eligible renters can receive funds to help cover expenses to help with moving. These costs can include deposits, first and last months’ rent, and application fees.
“As Salt Lake City continues to grow, it’s essential we respond to critical housing needs in our community.” That was what SLC Council Chair Victoria Petro had to say about these new programs. “With most residents renting, nearly half spending more than they should on housing costs, and 30% at risk of displacement, resources like the Tenant Resource Center provide renters with centralized, accessible support. This is an important step in our ongoing commitment to making Salt Lake City affordable and welcoming for all.”
Lower income renters are eligible for RAFT if they experience displacement due to:
- Building demolition.
- Large scale renovations.
- Conversion of rental units to another use.
- Removal of rent or income restrictions.
The City has set aside $92,000 for the Tenant Resource Center pilot program and $180,000 for the RAFT program. Renters can talk to navigators by visiting www.slc.gov/renters.
“As an organization dedicated to helping Utahns on their path to housing stability and financial security, CDCU is grateful to Mayor Mendenhall and all who worked on the Thriving in Place plan for their vision to bring these valuable resources to tenants in Salt Lake City.” Todd Reeder, CDCU’s Chief Executive Officer, reflected on these programs at launch. “CDCU Community Navigators are standing by to listen to your needs and help you remain stable in your current home, find new housing, and connect you with other housing-related community resources.”
These two new programs are part of Salt Lake City’s broader Thriving in Place plan, adopted a year ago. The experiences and feedback of residents most impacted by displacement informed this plan. By helping these members of the community, the plan aims to create a more secure housing future for all. In the past year, the City has made several Thriving in Place projects. These include:
- Launching a Consumer Protection Complaint Portal.
- Making building accessory dwelling units easier and less expensive.
- Adopted the Affordable Housing Incentives and Community Benefit Policy ordinances.
- Beginning work on turning underutilized City property into housing.