City of Long Beach Launches Renter Aid Program

LONG BEACH, CA — The Long Beach Renter Aid Program, a new initiative providing $2.7 million in rental assistance, has been launched by the city.

The program is part of Upstream LB, a coordinated effort that the city says is designed to prevent housing instability, stabilize residents in crisis, create pathways into permanent housing, plus reduce homelessness across Long Beach, with a focus on youth, seniors, and families impacted by shifting federal policies and immigration enforcement actions.

“Upstream LB reflects our commitment to keeping Long Beach residents housed and supported during times of crisis,” Mayor Rex Richardson said. Richardson also chairs the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency as part of its Renter Protection and Homelessness Prevention Program.

“By expanding our efforts through targeted programs like the Long Beach Renter Aid Program, we can step in before a crisis hits, helping residents cover overdue rent and essential costs, preventing homelessness, and giving families a real chance to get back on their feet," he added.

Long Beach Renter Aid will offer temporary financial assistance for overdue rent, short-term rental assistance, past-due utilities and relocation costs. A minimum of $250,000 and up to $500,000 is being set aside for settlement assistance, and $500,000 will be set aside to assist households impacted by shifting federal policies and immigration enforcement actions.

Payments will be made directly to landlords or service providers. Participants will also be connected to supportive services and basic needs resources to promote long-term stability.

To participate, households would need to meet all the following criteria:

• Live in rental housing in Long Beach, including people temporarily staying in another housing arrangement.
• Have a household income at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI).
• Have experienced an emergency or unexpected event within the past 12 months that places them at risk of losing housing, which cannot be resolved without financial assistance.

The city said that priority will be given to households that have one or more members who are age 55 and older; are at immediate or imminent risk of eviction or homelessness (e.g., received an eviction notice, three-day notice or pay-or-quit notice); and are experiencing a housing emergency due to loss of federal benefits, loss of a federal housing program, federal policy changes or immigration enforcement actions.

Eligible people can apply online or in person. Application details and locations are available at longbeach.gov/renteraid. The initial application window closes May 8.

Beginning in June, applications will be accepted monthly from the fifth through the 12th of each month or until funds run out.

For more information on the Long Beach Renter Aid Program, visit longbeach.gov/RenterAid or email LBRenterAid@longbeach.gov.