Community Care & Safety
Housing Security
Rent is the biggest bill most Oceanside families pay. If you are struggling to stay housed, there is help — here is what exists today and how to reach it.
Emily's commitment
When I get to City Hall
“We will bring city wide rent control back for a vote. The cost of living crisis must be addressed immediately. Oceansiders are feeling the squeeze and council members can do more to help.”
Rental assistance
Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)
TBRA is a partnership between the City of Oceanside and Interfaith Community Services. It helps households experiencing or at risk of homelessness reach self-sufficiency through short-term rental assistance and supportive services. The program pays a rental subsidy that covers the gap between what a household can afford and local rent standards, with payments made directly to the landlord or utility company. TBRA cannot assist with past-due rent.
How to qualify
- You are a resident of the City of Oceanside.
- You are on, or will be on, the City of Oceanside Section 8 waitlist.
- You are facing homelessness.
- You are willing and motivated toward increasing financial stability.
- Your gross household income is between 40% and 60% of the Area Median Income.
How to apply
Complete the City of Oceanside Rental Assistance screening — it takes about 20 minutes and every question must be answered in full. Funding is limited. Interfaith Community Services reviews completed screenings and case managers contact households to confirm eligibility.
Interfaith Community ServicesBy appointment only
Eligibility
Program income limits
| Income category | 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very Low Income (40%) | $46,350 | $52,950 | $59,550 | $66,150 | $71,450 | $76,750 |
| Low Income (60%) | $69,480 | $79,380 | $89,340 | $99,240 | $107,220 | $115,140 |
Household income is recertified every 90 days after enrollment. Section 8 applications are available through the Oceanside Housing Authority.
What you get
Support beyond the rent check
Case management includes
- Assessment of strengths, needs, and barriers to stable housing
- Goal setting
- Employment and education support
- Housing resources
- Food and hygiene
- Transportation
- Financial planning
- Referrals and resources
Housing stability plan
Every participant builds a plan with their case manager: short- and long-term housing goals, referrals and timelines, and an ongoing budget review so the household can take on full rent once assistance ends.
More help
Other housing resources
- City of Oceanside Housing Authority — Section 8 waitlist and city housing programs.
- Call 2-1-1 or visit 211sandiego.org for housing, utility, and emergency help in San Diego County.
- Lower your monthly bills with utility and energy savings programs.