City of Long Beach Robust Homelessness Prevention
Release Date: 2026-05-29
On April 23rd, 2026, the City of Long Beach is preparing to launch several new homelessness-prevention and renter-protection initiatives to help vulnerable residents remain housed amid rising costs and affordability challenges. Supported by Los Angeles County Measure A funding, the city is expanding assistance programs for renters, older adults, youth, and tenants at risk of eviction.
These programs show the ongoing dedication of the Long Beach City Council and District One Councilwoman Mary Zendejas to making housing more stable, preventing displacement, and helping residents across Long Beach and District One neighborhoods. Councilwoman Zendejas championed the opening of the city’s newest year-round homeless shelter at 702 Anaheim, expanding safe, supportive interim housing for people experiencing homelessness. She continues to support those efforts in addition to also expanding homelessness prevention efforts such as affordable housing developments, the first-time homebuyer assistance and renter aid programs, and more.
According to the City’s memorandum on April 21st, 2026, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services will launch four major prevention programs over the coming months:
- Long Beach Renter Aid - $2.7 million Investment Fund
- Older Adult Shallow Subsidy Rental Assistance - $1.8 million Investment Fund
- Youth Homelessness Prevention Unit (HPU) - $743,703 Investment Fund
- Right to Counsel Program - $1.5 million Investment Fund
Launching on April 23rd, the Long Beach Renter Aid Program offers emergency financial assistance to low-income renters experiencing housing instability or unexpected financial hardship. Assistance may include:
- Overdue rent
- Short-term rental assistance
- Utility payments
- Security deposits
- Moving expenses
The program prioritizes households at the highest risk of homelessness, such as older adults, those with eviction notices, and households affected by income loss or emergencies. Eligible participants may receive up to $9,000 in assistance based on need.
Starting in May 2026, the Older Adult Shallow Subsidy Program will help low-income seniors on fixed incomes remain housed by providing partial rental assistance. The program will cover about 35% to 45% of the monthly rent and connect participants to case management and supportive services.
The program also gives priority to people whose housing vouchers or temporary rental help are about to end. This helps protect vulnerable seniors from becoming homeless. Those who qualify can get up to $12,000 in assistance over two years.
The proposed Youth Homelessness Prevention Unit (HPU) is also expected to launch in June 2026. This program aims to find and help Transition-Age Youth ages 18 to 25 who are at high risk of homelessness. In its first year, the city expects the program to support about 50 young people in Long Beach.
In addition, the City continues its investment in the Right to Counsel program through Stay Housed LA, which offers legal support and eviction defense for low-income tenants at risk of losing their homes. Since 2021, Councilwoman Zendejas has supported this program which has helped thousands of residents with legal representation, tenant education, outreach, and housing navigation.
Councilwoman Zendejas is proud to share this program has achieved an estimated 90% success rate in assisting tenants to avoid eviction judgments and maintain housing stability. Official reports have indicated that these combined efforts represent one of the largest homelessness-prevention investments Long Beach has undertaken to date and are designed to enhance housing security and community stability across the city.
For more information about the program, please visit the 04-23-2026 City of Long Beach Press Release.
