By Dianne Anderson

For those drowning in a sea of housing debt, Long Beach is throwing out a last lifeline for rent, but the offer only lasts as long as the money.

While the city’s $2.7 million anti-eviction program sounds like a lot, it is expected to serve only 175 – 250 households, which leaves thousands more struggling as the application window shrinks.

There is no absolute deadline, but city officials say funds are limited and encourage applications as early as possible for up to $9,000, or up to six months’ rent, in emergency aid to avoid eviction.

For renters that can get in while funds remain, there is hope.

Emily Rodriguez, public affairs assistant with the Department of Health and Human Services, said the city works closely with community-based organizations and legal service providers to assist low-income renters at risk of eviction.

Residents can turn to the Disabled Resources Center, Órale, United Cambodian Community, Filipino Migrant Center, Heart of Ida, BASTA, Long Beach Renters Empowered (LBRE), and the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles. The groups are providing outreach and application support.

“The strong response to the program demonstrates the need for this support, with more than 2,200 eligible households applying during the program’s first application window,” she said.

But she said ongoing outreach and support through the city’s Mobile Access Center and the Multi-Service Center continues to help residents throughout the month, not just during the application period.

“Depending on the situation, this may include exploring payment arrangements with landlords, connecting residents to legal assistance or identifying other available supports,” Rodriguez stated. “The goal is to help renters access assistance as early as possible and prevent housing instability from escalating into homelessness.”

As it stands, the program pays landlords directly for rental assistance, while $1.5 million of the funding covers Right to Counsel eviction defense for legal services, but the processing is not fast.

Funding comes by way of Los Angeles County’s Measure A, and is administered by the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services.

According to a city memo, officials will respond to all applicants within five business days after the window closes. Selected applicants will be contacted to complete eligibility verification, though final payments can take up to a month to reach landlords after approval.

After the money is gone, housing advocates say residents can still get help with Right to Counsel, Stay Housed LA, the Legal Aid Foundation, Eviction defense, tenant clinics and settlement negotiations.

For low-income tenants, the program helps those at or below 50% of area median income facing sudden financial emergency, prioritizing the most vulnerable. Seniors 55 and up, anyone facing immediate eviction, and those getting squeezed by the loss of federal benefits or immigration enforcement.

A check can help tenants facing eviction, but unpaid rent is not the whole problem.

Through Long Beach’s Right to Counsel program, the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles helps eligible tenants navigate court forms, evaluate legal defenses, negotiate with landlords and, in some cases, receive full representation in unlawful detainer cases.

Brianna Aguet said that tenants should seek help as soon as an eviction notice arrives, to avoid missing important deadlines. They can find more information through Stay Housed LA.

“Because every case is different, tenants are encouraged to seek legal assistance as soon as they receive a notice from their landlord or are served with court papers through the SHLA website,” said Aguet, Supervising Attorney, Eviction Defense Center, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles.

Rental assistance is limited, voluntary for participating landlords, and never guaranteed, she said.

Even when an application is pending or denied, tenants may still have legal defenses or settlement options that require representation.

She said LAFLA is working closely with the City of Long Beach to help eligible tenants access available rental assistance resources. The city currently operates a public-facing application process and a referral pathway for legal aid partners participating in the Long Beach Right to Counsel program.

Beyond the Renter Aid Program, the organization is providing ongoing eviction defense services or tenant education efforts. Not every eviction fight starts in the courtroom.

A notice taped to a door can be confusing, and tenants are unsure whether a landlord’s demand is even legal. Community members are encouraged to review current clinic offerings and RSVP through the Stay Housed LA website, where schedules and registration information are regularly updated.

“These clinics include presentations regarding tenant rights and provide an opportunity for attendees to receive brief consultations with an attorney regarding notices, eviction proceedings, and other housing-related concerns, subject to capacity and eligibility requirements,” she said.

Timing is everything.

Their organization wants tenants to seek assistance as soon as an eviction notice arrives rather than waiting for a court date.

“Tenants seeking assistance should contact Stay Housed LA as soon as possible after receiving a notice from their landlord or being served with an eviction lawsuit. Stay Housed LA serves as the primary intake and referral system for eligible tenants seeking eviction defense services in Long Beach.”

For more information:

LAFLA Legal Help at https://lafla.org/get-help/housing-and-eviction/  and  www.stayhousedla.org or call (888) 694-0040.

Long Beach City Mobile Access Center at
https://www.longbeach.gov/homelessness/homeless-services/street-outreach-network/

Or, the Multi-Service Center
https://www.longbeach.gov/homelessness/homeless-services/multi-service-center/