Financial Management

Homelessness Waiver

One-Time Towing and Parking Citation Waiver for Homelessness Policy

Overview:

This program helps people living in their vehicles recover them if it has been towed by the City of Long Beach. The goal is to provide a one-time courtesy waiver to individuals who meet the qualifications listed below. The City also provides resources at the City’s Multi-Service Center for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Responsibilities:

The Director of Finance will ensure Towing and Commercial Services comply with this policy and the Director of Health and Human Services will ensure compliance through the Homeless Services Division.

Procedure:

Individuals experiencing homelessness and living in their vehicles whose vehicle has been towed by the City of Long Beach may apply for a one-time waiver for towing, storage, and parking citation fees.

Criteria to Apply:

• You are currently homeless and living in your vehicle.
• The City of Long Beach towed your vehicle.
• You have proof of having low income (or financial hardship).
• Your vehicle is not being held as police evidence.

Proof of Indigence Status:
You must provide one of the following:

1. Three recent pay stubs or a bank statement. This helps prove your income limit set by subdivision (b) of Section 68632 of the Government Code.
2. An award letter for Social Security or proof other public benefits. These benefits are listed under subdivision (a) of Section 68632 of the Government Code
3. An annual earnings statement from Social Security (if you have no current income).

• After their vehicle is towed, individual must report to the Towing Division. It is located at 3111 East Willow. You must fill out a One-Time Towing and Parking Citation Fee Waiver Request Form. You must also have indigence information (listed in Criteria to Apply in above paragraph) on hand to start the waiver process.

• Individual will fill out Part A (basic information) and B (indigence information) of the application.

• Towing will fill out Part C of the application (outstanding tow charges) and Part D, a summary of any parking citations.

• After Parts A through D are completed, Towing will forward the application via email to the Homeless Services designated contact. The application will include photos of the vehicle indicating the vehicle appears lived-in.

• Homeless Services will assess the individual for services and referrals based upon a client-centered model, and ensure the individual completes the Homelessness Declaration (Part E).

• Homeless Services will complete Part E of the application, including eligibility for waiver based on their screening of the individual and their circumstances.

• Homeless Services will forward the completed application via email to the designated Towing contact, with copies to the Towing Superintendent, and Commercial Services and Fleet Services Bureau Managers. The Director of Financial Management has identified the Fleet Services Bureau Manager as their representative, with the authority to approve one-time towing/parking citation fee waiver requests.

• The Director of Financial Management, or their representative, will review the information. If all requirements are met, they will approve a one-time waiver of parking citations and towing fees. The application will then be returned to the Commercial Services Bureau or Towing (as appropriate), with Part F completed.

• Towing will contact the individual to complete the waiver process.

• Both Homeless Services and Towing will track all waiver applications.
  
  
• The decision of the Director of Financial Management, or designee, is final and not subject to appeal.

• You must report to Homeless Services within three days after you submit your waiver application. If you do not appear within this time frame, your application will be canceled and the City will begin the lien process. Exceptions will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
• If false information is provided on the application, the waiver will be denied. The full amount of fines and fees will be required to be paid.
• Only vehicles towed by the City of Long Beach is eligible for this one-time waiver of fines and fees.

Definitions:

Indigence: As defined by California Vehicle Code 40220 (AB-2544); to qualify, the Registered Owner or Lessee must proof of low income by providing one of the following items:

• Proof of income from most recent pay stub or another proof of earnings, such as a bank statement that show the individual meets the income criteria set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 68632 of the Government Code.
  
  
• Proof of receipt of benefits under the programs described in subdivision (a) of Section 68632 of the Government Code. Proof of receipt will consist of a copy of the most recent Verification of Benefits Form or Award Letter for Social Security.

If the Registered Owner(s)/Lessee(s) does not have income or receives public assistance, a copy of their annual earnings from the Social Security Department is required.