A Community-Driven Solution for Unhoused Students and Families

In 2023, the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) and the National Center for Youth Law launched a pilot Rental Assistance Program to support unhoused families with students enrolled in MPUSD schools. As the initiative gained traction, other mission-aligned organizations stepped in to expand its impact.

By July 2024, over $120,000 had been raised, and 22 MPUSD families had secured stable housing.

Community Partners Behind the Program

This rental assistance initiative has been supported by several key organizations:

• Community Emergency Response Volunteers of the Monterey Peninsula (CERV):
  CERV serves as the fiscal agent and partner to MPUSD, providing financial oversight and disaster preparedness training. With a long-standing commitment to supporting families during emergencies, CERV works directly with MPUSD staff to ensure housing support reaches those in need.

• Payette River Foundation:
  A dedicated partner from the beginning, the foundation continues to support unhoused families through generous contributions.

• Community Foundation for Monterey County:
  More recently, CFMC joined to help sustain and grow this successful model of housing stability and educational support.

Program Benefits

The Rental Assistance Program offers:

• Down payment assistance provided directly to landlords, including:

  • Security deposit

  • First and last month’s rent

• Coordinated support services at schools to help families navigate housing and educational challenges

Program Outcomes for the 2023–2024 School Year

• 22 families housed with financial support for first month’s rent and security deposits

• All students remained enrolled in school

• Five high school students participated in an Emergency Response/Responder opportunities workshop, equipping them with preparedness skills and future career insights

Supporting Unhoused MPUSD Youth: A Project with MPUSD (2023–2025)

CERV continues to partner with MPUSD to help families facing housing insecurity.

To date, $170,000 has been raised from generous nonprofit funders including:

• Payette River Foundation

• Community Foundation for Monterey County

• Sharing WW, Inc.

Long-Term Impacts

• 33 families housed with secure and stable living conditions

• 30 local realtors helped families secure rentals with move-in costs ranging from $600 to $12,900 (average: $5,484)

• Disaster preparedness training for students led by members of CERV’s Advisory Council

Looking ahead, CERV and MPUSD plan to meet in summer 2025 to assess progress and explore new opportunities to serve unhoused students and families across the district.

This ongoing partnership between MPUSD, CERV, and its funding allies demonstrates the power of collaboration to solve urgent community challenges. By combining housing assistance with emergency preparedness training, the program not only shelters families—it builds resilience.