The City of Long Beach has secured an $11 million grant from the State of California, dedicated to confronting the homelessness crisis along the Los Angeles Riverbed. According to a city press release, the funds are part of the Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) and aim to support and transition individuals experiencing homelessness into stable housing solutions.
Mayor Rex Richardson lauded the ERF's importance: "The L.A. Riverbed is an important thoroughfare for bicycle and pedestrian mobility, recreation, and an entryway to our Long Beach community. This funding allows us to continue our work connecting our neighbors experiencing unsheltered homelessness with the services and housing they need, while restoring the riverbed as a cleaner, safer and more accessible space for everyone," he said. Long Beach was recognized for a third time for its effective approach in assisting vulnerable residents, highlighting the city's commitment to addressing homelessness with compassion and efficacy.
Previous rounds of ERF demonstrated tangible success, with the first program reporting that 49% of enrolled participants secured permanent housing or remained in the program. The ongoing second ERF initiative has thus far managed to maintain shelter for 64 individuals and found permanent housing for 10, signaling a meaningful impact in the fight against homelessness in the targeted areas.
The newly acquired funds will prioritize the 9.5-mile stretch of the Los Angeles Riverbed, addressing health and safety hazards while offering enhanced outreach, emergency shelter options, and permanent housing pathways. Data from the 2024 Point in Time Count indicates that 92% of those living on the riverbed have been experiencing homelessness for at least a year, suggesting a critical need for sustained, targeted intervention in the area. The City's approach involves first engaging with individuals along the riverbed, followed by the mobilization of non-congregate shelters and support services to facilitate transitions into permanent residencies.
Alison King, Long Beach Health and Human Services Director, expressed her gratitude for the funds received, emphasizing their value in the ongoing pursuit to help vulnerable residents. "We are grateful for another round of funding to continue our good work in helping some of our most vulnerable residents, providing the assistance they need while leading to safe, permanent housing," King communicated in the press release.
The State's ERF grant program supports local jurisdictions like Long Beach in restoring public spaces to their intended uses, while simultaneously creating sustainable housing solutions for those in need. The city has become a model example, upheld by the state, for its effective practices in resolving encampments through the ERF program.
