Last year, on July 1, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles received the second-largest allotment of Emergency Housing Vouchers nationwide to house the most vulnerable Angelinos.
This came, thanks to the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021, at a pivotal time during the COVID-19 pandemic, when homelessness and housing insecurity were at an all-time high.
As of June 30, HACLA has issued 100% of these allocated (3,365) vouchers, which can be used in various jurisdictions, including the cities of Los Angeles, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Long Beach and Glendale and in L.A. County.
These tenant-based vouchers, set to expire after nine years, were specifically designed to assist individuals and families who are homeless or recently homeless; at risk of homelessness; and fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. All applicant referrals for this program came to HACLA from the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority (LAHSA) through their oversight of the countywide Continuum of Care.
“We’re very proud of achieving this milestone of issuance of all of these emergency vouchers,” said Doug Guthrie, HACLA president/CEO. “But this is only the beginning.
“The most important work begins now to help those voucher holders find available housing and enter into leases. We are relying heavily on landlords and property owners to join us in this fight to house our unhoused neighbors and get them off the streets.”
Landlords who partner with HACLA receive several benefits including a $2,500 signing bonus (paid by HACLA), a security deposit up to two times the rental amount (paid by LAHSA), higher Voucher Payment Standards (VPS), free property listings, reliable payments and up to $5,000 one-time reimbursement for Contract Inspection Repairs (paid by HACLA).
To get started by listing available units, or to ask any questions about the Emergency Housing Voucher incentive program, contact [email protected].
