The City of Long Beach is launching a new effort to help residents stay housed at a time when many households are facing growing financial strain.

Announced April 23, the Long Beach Renter Aid Program will provide $2.7 million in short-term financial assistance to renters at risk of eviction. Combined with $1.5 million already supporting eviction defense and tenant education, the initiative is expected to help up to 1,000 low-income households avoid displacement.

The program is part of Upstream LB, a citywide strategy focused on preventing housing instability before it leads to homelessness by stepping in when residents face unexpected financial setbacks.

Renter Aid will cover overdue rent, short-term rental assistance, past-due utilities and relocation costs. Payments will go directly to landlords or service providers, and participants will be connected to supportive services to promote longer-term stability. Up to $500,000 is set aside for households impacted by shifting federal policies and immigration enforcement actions, with an additional $250,000 to $500,000 reserved for settlement assistance.

To qualify, applicants must live in rental housing in Long Beach, earn at or below 50% of Area Median Income and have experienced a recent financial emergency that puts them at risk of losing housing. Priority will go to older adults, households facing immediate eviction and those affected by federal policy changes.

Applications are available online and in person in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog. The first application window closes May 8, with additional monthly windows opening June 5–12 until funds are exhausted. Applicants will be notified within about a week after each window closes, with approved payments typically issued within 30 days.

Additional Upstream LB programs are expected in the coming months, including ongoing rental support for older adults and a new effort to identify and assist young adults at high risk of homelessness.

These programs build on the City’s Right to Counsel initiative, which provides free legal assistance to low-income renters facing eviction through Stay Housed LA. Since 2021, the program has helped more than 1,700 residents remain housed.

Funding for these efforts comes largely from Los Angeles County Measure A, which is providing Long Beach approximately $15 million for renter protections and homelessness prevention.

For more information or to apply, visit longbeach.gov/renteraid.