Monterey County ends its Non-Congregate Shelter Program

The County of Monterey has ended its Non-Congregate Shelter (NCS) program, which has supported Pajaro flooding victims since March.

Families in need will still have access to housing services, but County officials have moved the program closer to its homeless services providers. 

Under the program—estimated to have cost $2 million—202 individuals returned to their repaired homes or transitioned to new residences, out of the 264 people who participated.

To help with the services, the County of Monterey created the Permanent Housing Support navigation team, along with Catholic Charities, Community Bridges, Hope Crisis Response Network, Housing Authority, Coalition of Homeless Services Providers, Central Coast Center for Independent Living and Mujeres en Acción. 

This team conducted biweekly in-person meetings with NCS households to develop Permanent Housing Plans, which included connecting them with critical resources. 

In addition, Disaster Case Managers from Catholic Charities and Community Bridges helped guide NCS participants through the often cumbersome application processes of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and helped them with exploring alternative housing options. 

According to Monterey County, 31 households have applied for emergency housing vouchers.

Catholic Charities and Community Bridges have connected NCS participants with financial resources, such as Monterey County’s Storm Relief Fund, which can bring up to $750.

The resources also include Storm Assistance for Immigrants, and Community Bridges Phase 1 and 2 emergency relief grants of up to $2,500. 

Both organizations have assisted households with rental application fees, security deposits, and first month’s rent. 

ALL-IN Monterey County has provided home items and furniture for those returning home or moving into new rentals. 

Throughout the NCS program, households receiving FEMA Individual Assistance have received an average of $9,224 in total assistance, with an average of $5,798 specifically allocated for Rental Assistance.