Long Beach Recieves $13.1 Million For Emergency Rental Assistance

LONG BEACH, CA — The California Department of Housing and Community Development awarded the city of Long Beach a $13.1 million cashflow loan for the city's Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

The funds will provide additional funding for those who applied for the Long Beach ERAP before March 31, 2022. The city has recieved 12,285 applications and has provided $58.8 million for 7,250 rent and utility payments.

“The pandemic is still having a financial impact on many residents and we must continue to get assistance to those most in need,” Mayor Robert Garcia said in a statement. “This funding will help us support more people here in Long Beach and we’re grateful to the State for helping us expand these efforts.”

The program was created in April 2021 as a part of the Long Beach Recovery Act for those who experienced hardships due to COVID-19, as was extended multiple times. The loan will allow the city to assist 1,300 more applicants that have already been approved by the city.

Previously, 97% of the payments the city provided were made for residents who earnes less than 50% of the median income in the area. Going forward, the city said they will continue to provide funds to the lowest income residents.

“LB-ERAP has provided critical rental relief for individuals and families throughout the pandemic,” said Long Beach Development Services Acting Director Christopher Koontz. “Our team remains committed to doing all that we can to offer support to renters and landlords in their greatest time of need, and we are thankful to the State for helping us achieve this goal.”

Long Beach stopped accepting new applications on March 31, 2022. Those with existing LB-ERAP applications can check their status by calling the support line at 833-358-5372 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.