If you want rental help, get in line.

If you want rental help, get in line.

That's the message from San Joaquin County Housing Authority officials to people wanting rental assistance vouchers.

Such people will still have to wait, but at least there's a line forming. It's been more than three years since county residents needing assistance have even been able to even get on a waiting list. There's only so much money.

San Joaquin County has been hit hard by foreclosures, the recession and joblessness. That has left many residents on the financial edge.

The program covers the balance for tenants paying 30 percent of their income on rent and utilities.

Three years ago, there were 26,000 names on the voucher waiting list. That number has fallen over time and Housing Authority officials have cut the list to 3,700 names. Each year, about 3,000 households leave the program and are replaced by those on the list.

That means those wanting, and needing help, will have to wait even longer. But at least they can again get in line.