City of Long Beach Launches Renter Aid Program to Prevent Housing Loss

City of Long Beach
Public Information Office
411 W. Ocean Blvd,
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.longbeach.gov

Above: Mayor Rex Richardson joins other City leaders, as well as county and community partners, in the Civic Center Plaza on April 23, 2026, to celebrate the launch of Renter Aid and Upstream LB, the City's upstream effort to prevent housing instability, stabilize residents in crisis, create pathways into permanent housing and reduce homelessness.

Long Beach, CA - On April 23, 2026, the City of Long Beach announced the launch of the Long Beach Renter Aid Program, a new initiative investing $2.7 million in rental assistance, coupled with a previously-rolled out $1.5 million in Right to Counsel eviction defense and education assistance, to help up to 1,000 low-income households avoid eviction and homelessness. The program is part of Upstream LB, a coordinated effort designed to prevent housing instability, stabilize residents in crisis, create pathways into permanent housing and reduce homelessness across the city with a focus on youth, seniors, and families impacted by shifting federal policies and immigration enforcement actions.

"Upstream LB reflects our commitment to keeping Long Beach residents housed and supported during times of crisis," said Mayor Rex Richardson, who chairs the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency as part of its Renter Protection and Homelessness Prevention Program. "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, short-term rental assistance, past-due utilities and relocation costs. 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. Participants will also be connected to supportive services and basic needs resources to promote long-term stability.

• 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

• Include adults age 55 and older
• Are at immediate or imminent risk of eviction or homelessness (e.g., 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.

"Stable housing is the foundation for health and well-being," said Alison King, Director of Health and Human Services. "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. This funding was adopted as part of the Mayor's recommendations in the City Council-approved Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.

"Rental assistance is a bridge, providing immediate relief while we build more affordable housing as a long-term solution," said Christopher Koontz, Director of Long Beach's Community Development Department, which is partnering with developers on four affordable housing developments currently under construction, plus four more expected to break ground in the coming months."

The City is committed to helping Long Beach residents stay housed and connected to the resources they need. For more information on the City's homelessness prevention and housing support efforts, visit longbeach.gov/homelessness and follow @lbhealthdept and @longbeachcity on social media.

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 [email protected].

About the City of Long Beach

Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. More information about the Long Beach Health Department is available at longbeach.gov/health and on Instagram, Facebook and X.