PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – As part of the City of Long Beach’s mission to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness by increasing housing opportunities, enhancing current initiatives and addressing and improving overall public safety for the entire community, the City’s Housing Authority will conduct enhanced focused outreach to local housing providers to encourage participation in the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) and Housing Choice Voucher programs.

“The City is doing everything it can to ensure that those with Emergency Housing Vouchers are able to find homes,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “We are personally reaching out to property owners to ask them to do their part in solving the homelessness crisis. We hope they’ll answer the call.” 

The Housing Authority has launched an internal call center where staff will conduct phone outreach to Long Beach housing providers to inform them of the incentives available to them by participating in the housing voucher programs, including monetary incentives for homeowners and other resources. Outreach will also include a public education component on housing income discrimination and provide insight on the impactful difference property owners can make in the effort to decrease homelessness in Long Beach by accepting residents with vouchers.

Additionally, Housing Authority staff are conducting virtual owner information sessions designed to provide landlords with information about subsidized housing rules and regulations, various Housing Authority processes and procedures and to keep property owners updated on the latest news. Information sessions will be held on the days listed below.

• Tuesday, March 14, noon to 1 p.m. – New owner info session
• Wednesday, April 19, 4 to 5 p.m. – Renewing for success
• Tuesday, May 16, noon to 1 p.m. – Partner portal
• Wednesday, June 21, 4 to 5 p.m. – Housing inspections

Housing providers interested in learning more or signing up for an information session may call 562.570.5372, e-mail HA-Owners@longbeach.gov or visit longbeach.gov/haclb.

“There are hundreds of people who have been issued vouchers but are still in search of housing,” said Health and Human Services Director Kelly Colopy. “This focused outreach is part of the City’s effort to provide long-term solutions to housing insecurity and homelessness.” 

The Housing Authority currently provides monetary incentives for EHV participants including: 

• $2,500 incentive to landlords for each voucher leased. 
• Security deposit of up to two times the rent. 
• $2,500 in mitigations funds for damages in excess of the security deposit.

Participating housing providers are also supported through direct support by a dedicated Housing Authority team and communication through its Partners in Housing newsletter.

As part of the 2021 American Rescue Act, the Housing Authority was awarded 582 emergency housing vouchers; to date, 401 participants have found housing. Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) are available to individuals and families who are at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness; were recently experiencing homelessness or housing instability; or fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking. 

For more information on the City’s efforts to reduce homelessness in Long Beach, people may visit longbeach.gov/homelessness and follow @lbhealthdept and @longbeachcity on social media and follow the hashtag #EveryoneHomeLB.