The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion authored by Chair Hilda L. Solis, Supervisor to the First District, and co-authored by Supervisor Kathryn Barger on establishing an Interim Housing Services Fund for cities and Councils of Governments (COGs) combatting homelessness.
“Local jurisdictions have proven that they are active partners in finding a solution to homelessness,” shared Chair Solis. “Across the First District, many cities and COGs have been working to expand the supply of interim housing resources locally, particularly in areas that historically have had limited housing resources for people experiencing homelessness. However, many jurisdictions do not have the funds needed to cover services at these sites. Given the influx of state and federal dollars to tackle homelessness, the County is well positioned to provide this support to local jurisdictions and strengthen the region’s homeless housing and services system. I look forward to continue working with the cities and COGs to continue building and growing our homeless rehousing system Countywide.”
With the help of the San Gabriel Valley COG and Regional Housing Trust, the cities of Baldwin Park and Montebello will soon open the first two Tiny Homes projects in the San Gabriel Valley, providing 25 interim beds each for people experiencing homelessness in the region. Last December, the City of Redondo Beach opened its own Pallet Shelter, which has supported the City’s homeless court program. Using state Homekey funding, the City of El Monte purchased two motels, which will soon open its doors to people experiencing homelessness in the region.
“Our cities have become ground zero — the front line where individuals are linked to service providers, housing navigation and critical wrap-around services,” stated Supervisor Barger. “Their role as a touch point in the homeless services delivery system is critical to crafting effective strategies that will help end homelessness. Today’s allocation of State, Federal and local dollars to both our Councils of Government and cities will go a long way towards helping them implement homeless projects and strengthens our strategic partnerships with those who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work.”
The motion approved today directs the Chief Executive Officer to create a $10 million Interim Housing Services Fund to support services at homeless interim housing projects cited in local jurisdictions throughout the County, using state, federal, and local dollars including, but not limited to state Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention 3 grant and federal American Rescue Plan Act funds — with the funds accessible by January 1, 2022.
To view the full motion, click here.