Shallow Rent Subsidy (San Diego County)

Adults over the age of 55 are the fastest growing population experiencing homelessness in San Diego County. Interventions to address homelessness after a person is unhoused are more expensive than upstream, preventative measures. The Shallow Rent Subsidy Program (SRSP) is a pilot program managed by the County of San Diego's Department of Housing and Community Development Services (HCDS) (which took over from the Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities, HSEC). The program provides households with a monthly rent subsidy of $500 for 18 to 30 months and light case management services. While this type of program has been piloted elsewhere, little rigorous evidence exists on its impact, and no program specifically targets older adults. The evaluation will measure the impact of shallow rent subsidies on homelessness, housing stability, and economic well-being.