City of Long Beach Launches Older Adult Shallow Subsidy Program to Prevent Homelessness Among Older Adults
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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach has recently launched a new initiative to prevent homelessness among low-income older adults. The Older Adult Shallow Subsidy Program, funded by a $1.8 million investment, aims to provide rental assistance and housing support to approximately 150 households. This program is part of Upstream LB, the city's coordinated strategy to prevent homelessness and strengthen housing stability for vulnerable residents.

According to Mayor Rex Richardson, older adults living on fixed incomes are at an increased risk of housing instability as rent prices continue to rise in the region. He stated that this program reflects the city's commitment to preventing homelessness before it happens by helping older adults remain safely housed while connecting them with long-term housing solutions and supportive services.

Under this program, eligible participants will receive between $400 and $500 per month in rental assistance to reduce their rent burden to a sustainable level. They will also receive light-touch case management, including quarterly check-ins and referrals to supportive services and resources.

To be eligible for the Older Adult Shallow Subsidy Program, households must meet several criteria. These include having at least one member who is 62 years or older (or 55 years or older with a disability), living in non-subsidized rental housing in Long Beach, having a household income at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), experiencing severe rent burden (defined as spending 70% or more of household income on rent), and demonstrating the ability to sustainably pay rent with shallow subsidy assistance.

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Applications for the program will be accepted until all available subsidy slots are filled. Residents can apply online or in person in English, Spanish, Khmer, or Tagalog. It is encouraged that eligible residents apply early as funds are limited.

The program will prioritize households whose existing rental assistance or housing subsidy is expiring within the next 60 days. This includes participants in voucher programs, rapid rehousing programs, homelessness prevention programs, and other rental assistance initiatives where financial support is ending. Other factors that may be considered for prioritization include the urgency of eviction risk, disabling conditions, fixed-income status, prior experiences of homelessness, and other vulnerabilities.

The majority of the program's funding (approximately 75%) comes from state resources secured through the advocacy of Sen. Lena Gonzalez. This is supplemented by Los Angeles County Measure A and state Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) grant funds. Eligible participants may receive up to $12,000 in assistance over a two-year period, with additional support potentially available in extenuating circumstances.

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According to Alison King, Director of Health and Human Services, preventing homelessness requires upstream solutions that stabilize households before they enter crisis. She believes that this program will provide meaningful support to older adults facing severe rent burden while also connecting them with long-term housing stability and supportive services.

The Older Adult Shallow Subsidy Program was first announced in April alongside the launch of the Long Beach Renter Aid Program as part of Upstream LB. This program is supported by Los Angeles County Measure A funding administered through the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency's Renter Protection and Homelessness Prevention Program. Upstream LB represents the city's largest long-term investment towards homeless prevention and provides resources to help residents remain stably housed.

Residents who are interested in learning more about the program can email ShallowSubsidy@longbeach.gov for updates and additional information. The city hopes that this initiative will make a significant impact in preventing homelessness among older adults in Long Beach.

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