Long Beach announced its launch of a renter aid program April 23, with the goal to help 1,000 households avoid eviction and ultimately homelessness.
The $2.7 million for rental assistance is part of Upstream LB, an initiative designed to prevent housing instability, create pathways into permanent housing and reduce homelessness. The City’s previous $1.5 million committed towards its Right to Counsel legal eviction defense fund is also part of this program.
“Upstream LB reflects our commitment to keeping Long Beach residents housed and supported during times of crisis,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “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.”
Long Beach Renter Aid will offer temporary financial assistance for overdue rent, as well as short-term rental assistance, past-due utilities and relocation costs in the event that a resident is evicted and must move. A minimum of $250,000 and up to $500,000 will be 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. Residents will also be connected to supportive services and basic needs resources to promote long-term stability, according to a statement from the City.
The Long Beach Renter Aid Program is open to households that meet all of 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
Priority will be given to households that meet one or more of the following conditions:
- Include adults age 55 and older
- Are at immediate or imminent risk of eviction or homelessness (having received an eviction notice, three-day notice or pay-or-quit notice)
- Are experiencing a housing emergency due to loss of federal benefits, loss of a federal housing program, federal policy changes or immigration enforcement actions.
Applications will be reviewed based on eligibility and priority criteria. Applicants will receive a response within five business days after the application period closes. Selected applicants will be contacted to complete verification and a full assessment. Approved payments are expected within 30 days of verification, with expedited assistance available in urgent cases.
In addition to the Long Beach Renter Aid Program, the City will launch two additional prevention programs in the coming months as part of the Upstream LB initiative:
Older Adult Shallow Subsidy (Launching May 2026): Designed for older adults on fixed incomes, this program will provide ongoing rental assistance to help participants remain housed while they are connected to permanent housing resources, such as Housing Choice Vouchers.
Participants will also receive connections to supportive services and basic needs resources. Funded by Los Angeles County Measure A, State General Fund, and Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention, the program is expected to serve approximately 150 households with a $1.8 million investment.
Youth Homelessness Prevention Unit (Launching July 2026): This program will support Long Beach residents ages 18 to 25 who are at high risk of homelessness. Expanding L.A. County’s Homelessness Prevention Unit model, the program will use predictive modeling developed by University of California, Los Angeles California Policy Lab to identify youth at risk and proactively offer enrollment.
Using data from various county departments, including Health Services, Mental Health, Public Social Services and Child and Family Services, the program will connect participants with case managers to develop individualized prevention plans; four to six months of housing-focused support; flexible financial assistance; and connections to employment, mental health and housing services.
Funded by Measure A and philanthropic partners, the program is expected to serve approximately 50 youth in its first year with a $750,000 investment.
In addition to these programs, the City continues to support its Right to Counsel program, which provides free legal assistance to low-income residents facing eviction through a partnership with Stay Housed LA. Since 2021, the program has served more than 1,700 Long Beach residents, achieving a success rate of approximately 90% in preventing or reducing displacement. By combining legal representation, tenant education and early intervention, the program critically complements the City’s financial assistance efforts.
“Stable housing is the foundation for health and well-being,” said Alison King, Director of Long Beach Health and Human Services, in a public statement. “These programs ensure that when residents are facing unexpected challenges, they have the support they need to remain in their homes, especially as homelessness continues to be a critical public health concern.”
All programs within Upstream LB are supported by Los Angeles County Measure A, with funding administered through the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency as part of its Renter Protection and Homelessness Prevention program. The City has been allocated approximately $15 million in Measure A funds, including over $4 million dedicated to renter protections and homelessness prevention programs.
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This funding was adopted as part of the Mayor’s recommendations in the City Council-approved Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.
Eligible people can apply online or in person. Applications are available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog. Visit longbeach.gov/renteraid for application details and locations. The first application window closes May 8.
Beginning in June, applications will be accepted monthly from the 5th through the 12th of each month or until funds are fully distributed. Early applications are encouraged, as funds are limited.
More information about upcoming Upstream LB programs will be announced in the coming months. For more information on the Long Beach Renter Aid Program, visit longbeach.gov/RenterAid or email LBRenterAid@longbeach.gov.
