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August 11th, 2022 | Media Center, About Us|

LA INCREASES LOAN ASSISTANCE TO THE CITY’s FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) announced today that the City’s Low- and Moderate-Income Purchase Assistance First-Time Homebuyers’ Programs have increased their loan assistance amounts .

The low-income purchase assistance loan amount has increased from $90,000 to $140,000. The moderate-income purchase assistance loan amounts have increased from $75,000 to $115,000 for households earning between 80%-120% Area Median Income (AMI) and from $50,000 to $90,000 for households earning between 120%-150% AMI.

For over 25 years, LAHD has operated first-time homebuyer assistance programs, providing eligible first-time, low- and moderate-income homebuyers with purchase assistance in the form of a deferred-payment “soft second” loan to be used toward down payment, acquisition and closing costs. Cumulative, the City’s First-Time Homebuyers program has awarded a total of $167,239,427, assisting 2,734 families acquire their first home.

“This is a great step to addressing the lack of affordability in acquiring a first time home in such a high priced market” stated LAHD General Manager, Ann Sewill. Ms. Sewill also added, “these funds will help low- and moderate-income families of Los Angeles purchase a first home.”

With low inventory of affordable homes and rising home prices, the path to homeownership has become even more increasingly difficult, especially for low- and moderate-income, first-time homebuyers. LAHD’s resources for first-time homebuyers are primarily through federal grants. With these limited resources, LAHD can typically assist fewer than 100 home buying low-income households a year and thus continuously seeks other funding sources.

First-time homebuyers can learn more about the programs by visiting the LAHD first-time homebuyer website at housing.lacity.org/housing/housing-programs/first-time-homebuyers. To get started, applicants should contact one of LAHD’s Participating Lenders listed at: housing.lacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/English-Lenders-list.pdf.

The First Time Homebuyers Program supports the City’s goal to stabilize neighborhoods and remedy socio-economic inequities by providing access to low-income homebuyers to build wealth through owning their own homes and to secure permanent housing in the City of Los Angeles. To learn more about the City’s First-Time Homebuyer Programs, please visit: housing.lacity.org (housing.lacity.org/housing/housing-programs).

CITY OF LOS ANGELES AWARDED $163.3 MILLION FOR SUSTAINABLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

To support the creation of 929 new housing units

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) announced today that the State of California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) has awarded $163.3 million to the City of Los Angeles under the Round 6 Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program. This round of funding makes the largest funding received to date by the City. “Angelenos want and deserve a city with affordable housing and improved transportation so every family can afford their rent, breathe clean air, and access opportunity, no matter where they live,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “This funding from the AHSC program is an investment in more affordable housing across our City – and a down payment on a more sustainable and livable future for our residents.” The goal of the AHSC Program is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and vehicle-miles traveled by financing integrated new affordable housing developments and transportation improvement projects, near work, retail, and other facilities routinely used by Angelenos. By paying for infrastructure such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and bus shelters, the AHSC program makes it easier and safer for residents to walk, bike and use public transportation. This Round, the total GHG reduction for all seven projects is projected to be 252,822 metric tons. This is equivalent to the GHG emissions from 54,984 Passenger vehicles driven for one year or carbon dioxide emissions from 30,446 homes’ energy use for one year. “LAHD is excited to once again receive this award of Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities funding”, said Ann Sewill, LAHD General Manager. “These seven developments will include bicycle and pedestrian improvements, energy efficiency and water conservation elements, connections to high quality transit and other features that help create a more livable and sustainable Los Angeles.” The AHSC funds will provide the gap-financing for the development of seven (7) affordable housing projects for a range of income levels. The finished homes will consist of 929 units, of which 890 units (95%) will be dedicated for low-income and extremely low-income households. Of the $163.3 million award, $105.7 million will be allocated for new affordable housing construction and $54.78 million for transit related infrastructure projects, including 7.23 miles of pedestrian and cycling improvements. Combined, these seven awarded projects will help reduce over 252,822,000 metric tons in GHG emissions. The awarded projects include: * 87th & Western Apartments * Grandview Apartments * Jordan Downs Area H2B * Locke Lofts * Menlo Ave Apartments * Umeya Apartments * Vista Terrace. Notable features of these projects includes: health services, vegetated open space to reduce urban heat island effect; drought resistant landscaping with drip irrigation system, subterranean storm water for drip irrigation, community room to function as cooling center during heat waves which will also be accessible to the general public; solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to offset energy consumption, and energy efficient appliances that will conserve water and power. This marks the sixth (6) consecutive year that LAHD proposals have been awarded AHSC funding. Combined with the prior AHSC awards, the City has successfully secured approximately $494.2 million to support a total of 35 housing developments, 3,872 new housing units out of which 3,558 are affordable and an array of GHG emission-reducing transit infrastructure projects. These awards align with the City of Los Angeles’ Mayor Eric Garcetti’s priorities in creating a more sustainable City. This outcome is the product of an interdepartmental City team effort coordinated by LAHD, technical assistance provided by Enterprise Community Partners, Inc., Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and collaboration with Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA). Media Contact: lahd.media@lacity.org

CITY OF LOS ANGELES' NEW HOUSING PLAN RELEASED

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 1, 2021 CITY OF LOS ANGELES’ NEW HOUSING PLAN RELEASED LOS ANGELES —The Housing Department (LAHD) and Los Angeles City Planning (City Planning) announced the release of the draft plan titled “the Plan to House LA” that aims to accommodate nearly 500,000 housing units over the next eight years, with over 200,000 of those overall units reserved for lower-income residents. To meet this goal and to address Los Angeles’ housing shortage, the City would need to add roughly 57,000 new units annually over the next eight years—amounting to a 2.5 increase over the current production level. When this plan is adopted by the City Council in the fall of 2021, it will set new citywide strategies in motion to achieve a more equitable distribution of market-rate and affordable units across Los Angeles, providing quality access to housing for residents, including those with disabilities, large families, and older adults. “To increase housing access citywide, LAHD looks to leverage available financing, whether through Proposition HHH, Linkage Fee, or state grants to produce more affordable housing in higher opportunity areas,” said Ann Sewill, LAHD General Manager. “All while protecting tenants, so we have a more equitable distribution of affordable housing located across our city.” These strategies include an ambitious rezoning program for Los Angeles, one that will result in over 200,000 new housing units within three years of the plan’s adoption. The rezoning program will increase density and allowances for housing, particularly in resource-rich neighborhoods where zoning has been limited to single-family uses only. “This plan, our Plan to House LA, was designed with our residents in mind, especially those who have been disenfranchised, excluded, and left without housing because of wide wealth gaps and a lack of affordable units,” said Director of Planning Vince Bertoni. “We took it upon ourselves—as a City—to develop a series of strategies that would position us to be successful in confronting our housing challenges head-on. By carefully balancing production, affordable housing preservation, and protection, we intend to create new access to housing, make significant inroads to end chronic homelessness, and keep Angelenos housed without fears of displacement.” Before advancing the plan through the adoption process, LAHD and City Planning will hold outreach events to collect additional community input. LAHD will be launching a public outreach and education program, in partnership with Community-based Organizations to ensure there is an inclusive and accessible process for communities historically underrepresented in long range housing planning. After the City Planning Commission considers the final recommendations, they will advance to the full City Council for adoption later this fall. About the Plan to House L.A.  The Housing Element of the General Plan, also called “the Plan to House LA,” identifies Los Angeles’s housing needs and establishes clear goals and objectives to inform future policy considerations. When the update is completed, the Housing Element will guide the creation and implementation of the City’s housing policy from 2021 to 2029. Media Contact: Sandra Mendoza I sandra.mendoza@lacity.org

CITY OF LOS ANGELES ANNOUNCES ITS EVICTION DEFENSE PROGRAM IS READY TO ASSIST THE CITY’S RENTERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

CITY OF LOS ANGELES ANNOUNCES ITS EVICTION DEFENSE PROGRAM IS READY TO ASSIST THE CITY’S RENTERS

LOS ANGELES – The City of Los Angeles’ Housing Department (LAHD) announced today that the City’s COVID-19 Response Eviction Defense Program (EDP) is officially open and ready to serve Angelenos struggling with eviction-related actions.  The Eviction Defense Program is designed to promote housing stability by offering eviction prevention services to renters in the City of Los Angeles, including counseling, outreach and education, and legal representation. “If you have been impacted by COVID-19 and are facing eviction – you are not alone. Today marks the launch of the City’s Emergency Eviction Defense Program, which offers free legal, educational, and financial services in multiple languages for renters to stay stably housed and avoid falling into homelessness. City of Los Angeles renters, I urge you to learn about your rights and get connected to help.” –Mayor Eric Garcetti The City’s Eviction Defense Program includes a Know Your Rights campaign – which is a preventative approach to empower tenants on their rights and responsibilities as renters.  This includes multilingual outreach to the public, along with workshops and webinars. In partnership with legal services providers, the program offers pre-eviction counseling and legal representation for eligible tenants facing eviction. To support renters in accessing long term housing and financial stability, the program also places dedicated Tenant Stability Advisors at the City’s network of FamilySource Centers to provide renter households with ongoing case management. Renters can access services by visiting: housing.lacity.org, or by calling 1-866-557-7368, or through StayHousedLA.org or calling 1-888-694-0040. PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY  Program participants for the legal assistance must meet the following requirements: 1.      Residents of the City of Los Angeles, regardless of immigration status. 2.      The household has experienced a loss of income or is facing displacement related to COVID-19. 3.      The total annual household income cannot exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Regardless of legal assistance eligibility requirements, all tenants impacted by COVID-19 are protected by both city and state emergency renter protections currently in effect. To verify that an address is in the City of Los Angeles, visit: neighborhoodinfo.lacity.org.  For more information on the City of Los Angeles COVID-19 Renter Protections, visit: COVID-19 Renter Protections at housing.lacity.org/highlights/renter-protections. Public inquiries about the program can be submitted to: Ask-LAHD (housing.lacity.org/ask-housing). ### About Stay Housed L.A. is a partnership between Los Angeles County, the City of Los Angeles, and local community based organization and legal services providers. Through this program residents are provided with information and resources to keep people in their homes. Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) promotes livable and prosperous communities through the development and preservation of decent, safe, and affordable housing, neighborhood investment and social services. For more information, contact LAHD Monday through Friday, at (213) 808-8808, or toll-free at (866) 557-7368. More information about LAHD programs and services can be found on the LAHD website at housing.lacity.org. Media Contact: Sandra Mendoza I sandra.mendoza@lacity.org

National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies awards the City of Los Angeles the Multifamily Excellence Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, May 13. 2021 Media Contact: Sandra Mendoza I sandra.mendoza@lacity.org LOS ANGELES – The City of Los Angeles’ Housing Department (LAHD) announced today that the City has been awarded the Multifamily Excellence Award at the NALHFA 2021 Spring Virtual Annual Conference for LAHD’s outstanding efforts in housing development finance for its Prop HHH Supporting Housing Loan Program. The award was given to LAHD on Thursday, May 13, 2021. “The financing of affordable housing involves complex loan structure and systems. We have a great team whose work helps permanently house those who need it. We are humbled and welcome the recognition from NALHFA, which has served and celebrated the affordable housing industry for decades” –Ann Sewill, LAHD General Manager The Prop HHH Supportive Housing Loan Program has managed to advance housing development projects in record time. The voter-approved HHH measure is expected to conclude its delivery of housing units in a ten-year period, by 2026, however, HHH-funded projects are well ahead of that timeline. To date, the HHH housing in the pipeline has: 125 Housing Development HHH-funded Projects – 45 currently in construction phase $1.060 BN in committed funds Fully using all HHH resources dedicated to permanent housing 5 years before 2026 deadline Average HHH-loan subsidy $134,000 per apartment Source: Prop HHH Tracker Congratulations to the Los Angeles Housing Department in accepting this award on behalf of the City! About Prop HHH In November 2016, the voters of Los Angeles overwhelmingly voted in favor of Proposition HHH, which provides funds for the development of supportive housing for homeless individuals and families throughout the city. The Prop HHH Supportive Housing Loan Program development proposals use both traditional and innovative financing and construction techniques on this particular type of housing. The program provides an average HHH loan commitment of $134,000 per unit (apartment); developers must combine HHH loans with other financial resources to pay for the total development costs. About NALHFA The National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies (NALHFA), founded in 1982, is the national association of professionals working to finance affordable housing in the broader community development context at the local level. As a non-profit association, NALHFA is an advocate before Congress and federal agencies on legislative and regulatory issues affecting affordable housing and provides technical assistance and educational opportunities to its members and the public. Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) promotes livable and prosperous communities through the development and preservation of decent, safe, and affordable housing, neighborhood investment and social services. For more information, contact LAHD Monday through Friday, at (213) 808-8808, or toll-free at (866) 557-7368. More information about LAHD programs and services can be found on the LAHD website at housing.lacity.org. Media Contact: Sandra Mendoza I sandra.mendoza@lacity.org

THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES 2021 EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OPENS MARCH 30TH to assist low-income renters who have been economically impacted by COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 26, 2021
Media Contact:
Sandra Mendoza I sandra.mendoza@lacity.org
LOS ANGELES – The City of Los Angeles’ Housing Department (LAHD) announced today that the City’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will be accepting new applications beginning at 8:00 AM, Tuesday, March 30th, and closing at 11:59 PM, Friday, April 30, 2021.

The City of Los Angeles, in partnership with the federal government and the State of California, has created a new emergency rental assistance program to assist low-income renters who have been unable to pay their rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The City’s 2021 ERAP is for LA renters and rental property owners and will be administered by LAHD. The program is providing $235,500,000 in federal and state emergency rental assistance funds to support low income households in paying rent arrears for renters  impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is open to all low income renters living in the City of Los Angeles, regardless of immigration status.

ELIGIBILITY
Households must meet the following program requirements to qualify for renters assistance in this round:

  • Residents of the City of Los Angeles, regardless of immigration status.
  • One or more adults within the household have experienced unemployment or a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the COVID-19 pandemic;
  • The household income is at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI). Priority will be given to households with lower incomes at or below 30% of AMI, followed by those earning less than 50%. Subject to funding availability, applications may be opened later to households earning up to 80% of AMI.

2021 HUD Income Limits for Table
Income qualification for the City’s ERAP: the combined household incomes of all adults (18 and over) must be 50% or less of the Area Median Income, adjusted for household size. These figures are defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Effective April 2020).

APPLYING

Option A: A cooperative approach for tenants and landlords to participate in the COVID-19 Emergency Rent Relief Program together. Program payments will be made to landlords to reimburse 80% of eligible renters’ unpaid rent accrued between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021, however, the landlord must agree to waive the remaining 20% of the unpaid rent for that same period of time.

Either landlords or tenants can initiate applications. Assistance amounts will be based on the amount of back rent owed. Program funds will be paid directly to the tenant’s landlord on behalf of the tenant, provided the landlord agrees to the program terms.

Option B: Available to eligible renters after their landlords have declined to participate, payments will be limited to 25% of the unpaid rent that was accrued between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021, as well as financial assistance to pay 25% of up to three months’ future rent from April – June 2021.

City of Los Angeles renters, and landlords applying on behalf of their tenants, are encouraged to apply online at the LAHD website at: housing.lacity.org beginning March 30th through April 30th, 2021.

Applicants with limited online access can call the ERAP Hotline 833-373-0587, from 8 AM to 8 PM, starting Tuesday, March 30th through April 30th. TTY will also be available for persons with hearing or speech impairments. Applications and phone support will also be available in multiple languages.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Applications received between March 30 and April 9 will be selected through a randomized process to determine the order of review for the first group. Applications received from April 10th through April 30 will be selected through a second randomized process. The last day to apply for this round April 30, 2021.

Priority will be given to tenants who earn less than 30% of the area median income and to households who have experienced ninety (90) days or more of unemployment.

Regardless of participation in any rental assistance program, all tenants impacted by COVID-19 are still protected by both city and state emergency renter protections currently in effect.

The ERAP is for City of L.A. residents only. Tenants who live in the greater LA County area (87 cities), but do not live in the City of L.A., can apply for rental assistance with the State of California at: housingiskey.com, or through their own City program if available.

To verify that an address is in the City of Los Angeles, visit: neighborhoodinfo.lacity.org.  For more information and “Frequently Asked Questions” about the program, visit housing.lacity.org. Public inquiries about the program, can be submitted to: Ask-LAHD (housing.lacity.org/ask-housing).

THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES 2021 EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OPENS MARCH 30TH to assist low-income renters who have been economically impacted by COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 15, 2021
Media Contact:
sandra.mendoza@lacity.org
LOS ANGELES – The City of Los Angeles’ Housing Department (LAHD) announced today that the City’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will be accepting new applications beginning at 8:00 AM on March 30th, and closing at 11:59 PM on April 30, 2021.
 
ABOUT
The City of Los Angeles, in partnership with the federal government and the State of California, has created a new emergency rental assistance program to assist low-income renters who have been unable to pay their rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The City’s 2021 ERAP is for LA renters and rental property owners and will be administered by LAHD. The program is providing $235,500,000 in federal and state emergency rental assistance funds to support low income households in paying rent arrears for renters  impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is open to all low income renters living in the City of Los Angeles, regardless of immigration status.
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible tenants are those whose household income is at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI). Households must meet the following program requirements to qualify for renters assistance:
  1. Residents of the City of Los Angeles, regardless of immigration status.
  2. One or more adults within the household have experienced unemployment or a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the COVID-19 pandemic;
  3. The household income  is at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI). Priority will be given to households with incomes at or below 30% of AMI.
2020 HUD Income Limits for LA Table
Income qualification for the City’s ERAP: the combined household incomes of all adults (18 and over) must be 50% or less of the Area Median Income, adjusted for household size. These figures are defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Effective April 2020).

APPLYING

Option A:A cooperative approach for tenants and landlords to participate in the COVID-19 Emergency Rent Relief Program together. Program payments will be made to landlords to reimburse 80% of eligible renters’ unpaid rent accrued between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021, however, the landlord must agree to waive the remaining 20% of the unpaid rent for that same period of time.

Option B: Available to eligible renters after their landlords have declined to participate, payments will be limited to 25% of the unpaid rent that was accrued between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021, as well as financial assistance to pay 25% of up to three months’ future rent from April – June 2021.

City of Los Angeles renters, and landlords applying on behalf of their tenants, are encouraged to apply online at the LAHD website (housing.lacity.org). The ERAP application for new applicants will be available starting:

March 30th through April 30th, 2021

A call center number will be announced to apply by phone (for persons with limited online access), starting March 30th through April 30th. TTY will also be available for persons with hearing or speech impairments. Applications and phone support will also be available in multiple languages.

PROCESS

MARCH 15 – The ERAP opens to waitlist applications. Beginning March 15, renters who completed applications for the City’s 2020 Emergency Rental Assistance Subsidy but did not receive rental assistance may update their applications to be reviewed for the 2021 ERAP.

MARCH 30 – The ERAP will open for new applications at 8:00 AM at housing.lacity.org. Applications received between March 30 and April 9 will be selected through a randomized process to determine the order of review. Applications received from April 10th through April 30 will be selected through a second randomized process. The last day to apply for the City’s ERAP will be April 30, 2021.

Priority will be given to tenants who earn less than 30% of the area median income and to households who have experienced long-term unemployment.   

Landlords can initiate applications for tenants in arrears. Assistance amounts will be based on the amount of back rent owed. Program funds will be paid directly to the tenant’s landlord on behalf of the tenant, provided the landlord agrees to the program terms.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Regardless of participation in any rental assistance program, all tenants impacted by COVID-19 are still protected by both city and state emergency renter protections currently in effect.

To verify that an address is in the City of Los Angeles, visit: neighborhoodinfo.lacity.org.

The ERAP is for City of L.A. residents only. Tenants who live in the greater LA County area (87 cities), but do not live in the City of L.A., can apply for rental assistance with the State of California at: housingiskey.com.

For more information and “Frequently Asked Questions” about the program, visit housing.lacity.org. Public inquiries about the program, can be submitted to: Ask-LAHD (housing.lacity.org/ask-housing).

FREE-TAX-PREP LOS ANGELES SERVICE TO INCOME QUALIFIED ANGELENOS KICKS OFF AS THE IRS OFFICIALLY OPENS ITS TAX SEASON

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2021
Media Contact:
sandra.mendoza@lacity.org

LOS ANGELES – General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), Ann Sewill, announced today that Angelenos will again be able to rely on the Citywide FamilySource Centers (FSCs) to assist them with their tax filings through the Free Tax Prep Los Angeles (FTPLA) Program. The FTPLA program has been an effective program helping working families and qualifying individuals claim their cash refunds.

The FTPLA assists income qualified residents in claiming their tax refunds. Also, for the first time ever, immigrant filers with an ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Number) are eligible for California’s Earned Income Tax Credit and the Young Child Tax Credit; receiving up to $10,000 in tax credits when combined.

“LAHD is once again excited to partner in this effort to assist the residents of the City in claiming their well deserved tax refund, specially during these challenging times.” said Ann Sewill, General Manager, “We are grateful to the dozens of volunteers and community-based organizations in mobilizing and assisting thousands of tax filers across the City and County.”

ELIGIBILITY WHEN FILING

  • Families with children under age 6 should inquire about California’s Young Child Tax Credit where they may be eligible for up to $1,000 with qualifying children.
  • Individuals, including ITIN filers, earning $57,000 or less, can claim the state and federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) where they may be eligible for up to $10,000 cash back.

FTPLA LOCATIONS & HOURS | COVID-19 SERVICES

  • City residents can visit: housing.lacity.org/community-resources/free-tax-prep to find the nearest locations and hours of operation.
  • Tax filers can also use secure drop-off services which require appointments. Assistance is available in English, Spanish and Korean at various locations.
  • Self-filers! Tax filers can file their own simple returns for free online with services in English and Spanish at www.myfreetaxes.org
  • For additional resources visit LAHD’s Covid Resources page.

Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) promotes livable and prosperous communities through the development and preservation of decent, safe, and affordable housing, neighborhood investment and social services. For more information, contact LAHD Monday through Friday, at (213) 808-8808, or toll-free at (866) 557-7368. More information about LAHD programs and services can be found on the LAHD website at housing.lacity.org.

Free Tax Prep Los Angeles is a collaborative effort between the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, the City of Los Angeles Housing Department, Koreatown Youth + Community Center, CalEITC4Me, Golden State Opportunity, and the United Way of Greater Los Angeles.. For more information about this campaign, please visit www.FreeTaxPrepLA.com. Spanish and Korean translation available on the site.

CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY AWARDS GRANTS TO CITY OF LOS ANGELES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 25, 2020
Media Contact: Sandra Mendoza
sandra.mendoza@lacity.org

LOS ANGELES — General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), Ann Sewill, announced today that LAHD was awarded two (2) grants totaling $385,000 for LAHD’s Bicycle, Pedestrian Safety, and Child Passenger Safety Education Programs by the California’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).
The department received two grants from the OTS, which receives federal grants, and awards them to local jurisdiction throughout the State.. The grant period is from October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021. The first grant provides $150,000.00 for the Child Passenger Safety Program, operated for 6 years to provide education and information on the proper selection and installation of child car safety seats. Part of the funds are invested in the purchase of car seats for distribution to income-eligible families who participate in the educational program through the FamilySource Centers, neighborhood councils and other community organizations. In California, fines for not complying with state laws requirements on child safety may cost up to hundreds of dollars.

This is the fourth year LAHD has received an OTS grant providing $235,000, for the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Education and Information Program. Participants in the program receive free bicycle helmets and other safety materials. Participants are primarily children and senior citizens. Seniors are trained to walk through their neighborhoods and record notes about sidewalk and street hazards to be shared with the City. This grant also includes funds five (5) community-based FamilySource Centers to assist with program outreach, including: All Peoples Community Center, Barrio Action, El Centro de Ayuda, Latino Resource Organization and Central City Neighborhood Partners.

“At LAHD we welcome resources to further assist the families and seniors of Los Angeles”, said Ann Sewill, LAHD General Manager, “Through LAHD’s Community Services and Development programs, the grants from OTS help amplify the need to provide comprehensive solutions, including through education workshops conveying the importance of child safety, and steps that parents can take to help save a child’s life.”

This year’s program schedule will be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, information and educational workshops will be presented virtually and in small groups. The funding will also be utilized to support local versions of the nationwide education campaign events and programs such as National Walk to School Day, Bicycle Safety Month, Pedestrian Safety Month, Safe Routes to Schools and Vision Zero.

Yearly surveys continue to identify that two out of three child safety seats are misused. Bicycle and pedestrian deaths account for 29 percent of all roadway deaths in California, and the number of people killed on foot or on a bicycle is growing at an alarming rate. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows nearly three bicycle and pedestrian deaths in California every day.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Affordable And Accessible Housing Registry Website

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Media Contact:
sandra.mendoza@lacity.org

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), has announced the release of a new website to help prospective renters seeking accessible and affordable apartments in the City of Los Angeles. The Affordable and Accessible Housing Registry (AAHR). The AAHR (lahousing.lacity.org) site was developed in partnership with the City, Independent Living Center of Southern California, the Fair Housing Council of the San Fernando Valley, and Communities Actively Living Independent and Free (CALIF).

The website was designed with features to better serve persons with disabilities and can be accessed with assistive devices, and is supported by multiple browsers. Additionally, LAHD is providing informational flyers to guide users in infographic format.

This marks a major milestone in LAHD’s Accessible Housing Program. The Registry combines access to both accessible and affordable rental housing. The new AAHR has a comprehensive database, and allows users to:

  • Search for “Affordable and Accessible” units in City of Los Angeles listings
  • Start applications online for new properties
  • Apply to be placed on waiting lists at affordable housing properties
  • Apply to be placed on waiting lists for accessible units
  • Receive notifications of added rental housing property or when waitlists re-open for applications
  • View and learn more about specific properties, such as how many units with specific features for persons with mobility disabilities and persons with hearing/vision disabilities

“We’re excited to reach this point in integrating the Accessible Housing Program into our housing production and rehabilitation work, and to see the site be useful in helping Angelenos, especially those who seek apartments with mobility or enhanced communications features, find affordable housing”, said Ann Sewill, General Manager, LAHD.

“Before this website was created, it was very difficult to find accessible affordable housing for people with specific disabilities that require a unit to have special modifications. Since the inception of this website, I have been able to place clients on interest lists, waitlists and enter them in lotteries with ease; and, have successfully placed 9 consumers in affordable accessible units that most likely I would not have found otherwise” said Michael Martinez, Housing Advocate at Communities Actively Living Independent & Free (CALIF), “The Affordable and Accessible Housing Registry has revolutionized the way I have been able to identify and locate affordable accessible housing for individuals with specific disabilities. On behalf of CALIF and its clients, I would like to thank the City of Los Angeles and everyone connected to the development of this website for their efforts in establishing such a useful tool.”

To visit the new site, go to: lahousing.lacity.org. Interested persons with disabilities may contact the accessible housing unit at (213) 808-8550; via email at housing.achp@lacity, or via TRS or by dialing 711.

For additional housing resources, interested persons can visit the housing.lacity.org website.
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CIT Bank Renews Partnership with a New Grant for First-Time Homebuyer Assistance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, September 18, 2020
Media Contact:
sandra.mendoza@lacity.org

The first bank to partner with Los Angeles by granting direct down payment assistance for lower income first-time homebuyers provides another $400,000 grant.

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) is pleased to announce that for the fourth consecutive year CIT Bank has awarded a $400,000 grant to LAHD to help lower-income Angelenos achieve the American Dream. Cumulatively, CIT has awarded LAHD $1.6 million for the first-time homebuyers program.

For over 25 years, LAHD has operated first-time homebuyer assistance programs, providing eligible first-time homebuyers with purchase assistance in the form of a deferred-payment “soft second” loan to be used toward down payment, acquisition and closing costs.

“LAHD once again welcomes this new CIT grant” stated LAHD General Manager, Ann Sewill, “these funds will support existing loan programs for low-income first-time homebuyers. The demand for assistance by highly qualified buyers is far greater than the limited resources available for this purpose. But at LAHD, we will continue to seek opportunities such as this CIT grant, to assist Angelenos achieve the American Dream of owning a home.”

The initial grant from CIT Bank in 2017 provided $400,000, which enabled LAHD to assist 28 hard-working families purchase single family homes and condominiums throughout the City. Combined with two subsequent grants (totaling $1.2 million) from CIT Bank, LAHD has been able to assist 82 families achieve the dream of homeownership via the Low-Income Purchase Assistance (LIPA) Program. For this same purpose CIT is renewing this grant for another year, to support low-income seekers of the American Dream in the City of Los Angeles.

“The LIPA Program has provided me with the opportunity to own a home in Southern California. I had been thinking of purchasing a home for myself and my family for many years but it never seemed to be an option for me with house prices being very high and thinking that I could never qualify or have enough income to make it happen.” said new homebuyer Anna Maria Lasky, “thanks to this wonderful program, I now own our own home and cannot believe my dream is actually a reality. I am very fortunate this program exists and makes dreams happen.”

With rising home prices, the path to homeownership has become increasingly difficult, especially for low-and-moderate-income first-time homebuyers. LAHD’s resources for first time homebuyers are primarily federal grants. With these limited resources LAHD can typically assist fewer than 100 home buying low-income households a year and thus continuously seeks other grant sources. The renewed grant from CIT will be leveraged with the LIPA program funds to assist an additional 27 low-income families purchase homes.

The program supports the City’s goal to remedy socio-economic inequities by providing access to low-income buyers to build wealth through owning their own home. To learn more about the City’s First-Time Homebuyer Programs, please visit housing.lacity.org/homebuyers.

2020 Prop HHH Audit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 9, 2020 Media Contact: Sandra Mendoza sandra.mendoza@lacity.org LOS ANGELES – The General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing (LAHD), Ann Sewill, released a statement regarding the recent LA City Controller HHH audit. Today the City Controller released the annual audit of Proposition HHH, the $1.2 billion measure approved by city voters in 2016 to increase the number of supportive housing units from 300 to 1000 per year over ten years. As planned, Proposition HHH would enable the construction of 7,000 additional homes for people experiencing homelessness over 10 years. As the audit points out, in four (4) years LAHD has put 8,054 units (apartments) in the pipeline. Our department was pleased that once again the financial audit found no concerns or irregularities, and generally agree with the findings that construction costs are higher than LAHD would like and that getting a project from concept to construction start takes too long. However, we do not agree with the Controller’s recommendations that Proposition HHH funds be redirected from permanent supportive housing to shorter term solutions such as interim housing or shelters. The audit report notes that total development costs per unit have risen by 1.9% in one year. With rising costs of labor and materials this is essentially flat, and reflects work by the City and housing providers to design cost-efficient buildings and use innovative approaches. We expect to see even more progress in coming years as the Innovation Challenge projects come on line using modular and other technologies. The report also notes that Proposition HHH deals have been able to leverage other funding sources including No Place Like Home and Low Income Housing Tax Credits so that the average HHH investment per unit is $135,000. This leveraging approach was by design, knowing that the City’s investment and the willingness of City voters to contribute to ending homelessness would attract more funds and more long term commitment from other partners, and we’re pleased that it has been successful. The timing of moving an apartment building from initial plans to construction start in the City of Los Angeles is typically about twelve to twenty-four months. Supportive housing projects often take even longer because of challenges to zoning decisions under the California Environmental Quality Act, or other delays. In the past three years the City and our partners in Sacramento have taken several steps to cut that time significantly. First, the Mayor and City Council approved a Permanent Supportive Housing zoning ordinance that streamlined processing, made it easier to include space for supportive services, and reduced unnecessary parking requirements. Second, the City supported AB1197 in 2019 that provided an exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act for all HHH funded projects and for the PSH zoning ordinance itself. This has allowed dozens of projects to move forward more quickly. As of last month, 36 HHH projects have closed their financing, with thirty under construction, and three about to be occupied. Sixteen additional projects are expected to close by the end of this calendar year. We expect nine projects to be ready for people to move in by the end of December. The audit recommends that the City re-direct Proposition HHH funding from supportive housing to shelters and interim housing. This is ill-conceived and not cost efficient. The report compares the costs of producing apartments that operate for at least fifty-five years to the costs of producing short term shelters. It costs between $60 and $135 per night to operate a shelter bed or motel room, but only $28 per night and day to operate a supportive housing unit. We agree with the Controller that homelessness is a humanitarian crisis that deserves an urgent and realistic response. We cannot look at HHH in a vacuum. While building a production system and starting the supportive housing pipeline the City has also added thousands of emergency beds through programs like A Bridge Home. There are many sources of funding for this work and they all play complementary roles. The work to end homelessness requires a mix of short term and long term solutions, and the City is rightfully doing both of those things right now. HHH is the funding approved by the voters to provide the long term solution so that residents can move from shelters to homes. More emergency beds won’t solve our housing affordability crisis, nor will re-purposing existing apartment buildings. We need to increase the supply, and to scale up and maintain our investments in affordable and supportive housing, which is exactly what we are doing with these Proposition HHH funds. For a detailed view of HHH-funded housing development, view LAHD’s HHH Progress dashboard, including downloadable reports. HHH. Housing the unsheltered and rebuilding lives.

RELEASE: CITY OF LOS ANGELES TO START ITS EMERGENCY RENTERS ASSISTANCE SUBSIDY PROGRAM TODAY!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2020
Media Contact: Sandra Mendoza
213.808.8658
Email: sandra.mendoza@lacity.org
TWO DAYS LEFT ON THE
CITY OF LOS
ANGELES’
EMERGENCY RENTERS ASSISTANCE SUBSIDY
PROGRAM
to assist Los Angeles renters who have been economically impacted by COVID-19

LOS ANGELES – The General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing
Department (LAHD), Ann Sewill, announced today the implementation
of the City of Los Angeles Emergency Renters Assistance Subsidy Program
(ERAS) is in progress. There are two (2) days left, the
application period closes at 11:59 PM on July 17, 2020.

To assist LA’s tenants and rental property owners affected by the current COVID-19
health pandemic, LA City Council President Nury Martinez, Mayor Eric Garcetti, the
LA City Council, and LAHD, created the Emergency Rental Assistance Subsidy
Program, the largest COVID-related emergency rental assistance
program in the nation. The program allocates $103,000,000 to provide a
rent subsidy for low-income tenants in the City of Los Angeles who are unable to pay
rent due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The subsidy is anticipated to assist an estimated 50,000 Los Angeles households. It
will provide a grant of up to $1,000 per month, with a maximum grant of $2,000 per
household, and will be paid directly to the tenant’s landlord on behalf of the
tenant. Eligible tenants are those whose household income is at or below 80% of the
Area Median Income.

Households must meet the program requirements to pre-qualify for
renters assistance:

  • households who reside in multi family
    rental units in the City of Los Angeles,
  • selected applicants will be required to
    provide proof of tenancy,
  • total household income of all adults, 18
    years of age or older, living in the home, with total annual incomes at or below
    80% of Area Median Income (AMI)* level prior to March 13, 2020; and,
2019 Income
Limits
Number of
persons in
household: 		12345678
Combined Income:$58,450  $66,800  $75,150  $83,500  $90,200  $96,900  $103,550  $110,250   

*(Source: US Dept of
Housing and Urban Development)

  • households can provide documentation that
    they have suffered a loss or reduction of income due to COVID-19.

It is anticipated that the number of applications for a rent subsidy will far exceed
available funding, therefore all applications submitted during the application
period that meet all  requirements listed above will be placed in a  random
selection system  to determine which households will go forward in the application
process for  the rent subsidy.

City of Los Angeles tenants may apply at the LAHD website at housing.lacity.org through 11:59
PM, Friday, July 17th, 2020. After the application
deadline, all applications submitted by 11:59 PM July 17th will be included
in the random selection process. Applicants will be updated of the
status of their application including notification of a 10-day time period during
which applicants should submit supporting documentation to complete the verification
process.

Interested renters in the City of Los Angeles are encouraged to apply online, the
application can be submitted through various devices including smart phones. The
application is available online 24 hours at housing.lacity.org through
11:59 PM on July 17th. Persons with limited online access may call
the Application Hotline: 844-944-1868, between 8 AM and 10 PM,  through
Friday, July 17, 2020 (to apply over the phone). TTY: 844-325-1398 is
available for persons with  hearing or speech impairments during the same hours. The
program is open to all renters, regardless of immigration status.

For more information and “Frequently Asked Questions” about the program please
visit housing.lacity.org.

###

RELEASE: CITY OF LA TO START ITS EMERGENCY RENTERS ASSISTANCE SUBSIDY PROGRAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2020
Media Contact: Sandra Mendoza 213.808.8658 Email: sandra.mendoza@lacity.org

THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES ROLLS OUT  EMERGENCY RENTERS ASSISTANCE SUBSIDY PROGRAM to assist Los Angeles renters who have been economically impacted by COVID-19

LOS ANGELES – The General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), Ann Sewill, announced today the implementation of the City of Los Angeles Emergency Renters Assistance Subsidy Program (ERAS). The application will be open for five (5) days, starting at 8 AM on July 13th, and closing at 11:59 PM on July 17, 2020.

To assist LA’s tenants and rental property owners affected by the current COVID-19 health pandemic, LA City Council President Nury Martinez, the City Council and LAHD, with the support of Mayor Eric Garcetti, created the Emergency Rental Assistance Subsidy Program, the largest COVID-related emergency rental assistance program in the nation. The program allocates $103,000,000 to provide a rent subsidy for low-income tenants in the City of Los Angeles who are unable to pay rent due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. LAHD is charged with the implementation of the ERAS Program.

The subsidy is anticipated to assist an estimated 50,000 Los Angeles households. It will provide a grant of up to $1,000 per month, with a maximum grant of $2,000 per household, and will be paid directly to the tenant’s landlord on behalf of the tenant. Eligible tenants are those whose household income is at or below 80% of the Area Median Income.

Households must meet the program requirements to pre-qualify for renters assistance:

  • households who reside in multi family rental units in the City of Los Angeles,
  • selected applicants will be required to provide proof of tenancy,
  • total household income of all adults, 18 years of age or older, living in the home, with total annual incomes at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)* level prior to March 13, 2020;

2019 HUD Low-Income Limits for Los Angeles (Formerly known as 80% of AMI)

Household Size 1 Person 2 Persons 3 Persons 4 Persons 5 Persons 6 Persons 7 Persons 8 Persons
Income Limit $58,450 $66,800 $75,150 $83,500 $90,200 $96,900 $103,550 $110,250
                 
  • and, households can provide documentation that they have suffered a loss or reduction of income due to COVID-19.

It is anticipated that the number of applications for a rent subsidy will far exceed available funding, therefore all applications submitted during the application period that meet all requirements listed above will be placed in a  random selection system  to determine which households will go forward in the application process for  the rent subsidy.

City of Los Angeles tenants may apply at the LAHD website at housing.lacity.org starting at 8:00 AM on Monday, July 13th, through 11:59 PM, Friday, July 17th, 2020. After the application deadline, all applications submitted by 11:59 PM July 17th will be included in the random selection process. Applicants will be updated of the status of their application including notification of a 10-day time period during which applicants should submit supporting documentation to complete the verification process.

Interested renters in the City of Los Angeles are encouraged to apply online. The application will be available online 24/7 at housing.lacity.org through 11:59 PM on July 17th. Persons with limited online access may call the Application Hotline: 844-944-1868, every day between 8 AM and 10 PM,  starting 8 AM, July 13 through 10 PM on July 17, 2020 to apply over the phone. TTY: 844-325-1398 is available for persons with  hearing or speech impairments during the same hours. The program is open to all renters, regardless of immigration status.

For more information and “Frequently Asked Questions” about the program please visit housing.lacity.org.

###

RELEASE: LAHD SECURES UNPRECEDENTED RESOURCES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 3, 2020
Media Contact:
sandra.mendoza@lacity.org

CITY OF LOS ANGELES SCORES SIGNIFICANT AWARDS IN MAJOR
FUNDING FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

LOS ANGELES – General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), Rushmore D. Cervantes, announced today that on behalf of the City of Los Angeles, LAHD has secured substantial awards in competitive State funding programs, totaling nearly half a billion dollars thus far in 2020, for LAHD to continue its ambitious efforts to increase the City’s supply of affordable housing.

The Qualified Residential Rental Project Program is administered by the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee (CDLAC) of the California State Treasurer’s Office. The program provides state and local governmental agencies and joint powers authorities an allocation to issue tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, which includes access to a 4% tax credit program for affordable housing. These bonds and tax credits provide financing tools for new construction and rehabilitation of multifamily rental housing, both market rate and affordable, including supportive housing for homeless residents. LAHD’s efforts seeking bond authority through this program yielded 14 of 20 projects, totaling $300 million thus far in 2020. This highly competitive statewide allocation funding competition is a key factor in the financing and development of affordable and supportive housing to keep rents affordable for low and very low-income individuals and families.

The Infrastructure Grant (IIG) Program operated by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) provides grant funding on a competitive basis for infrastructure costs related to affordable housing development projects. The IIG Program requires a jurisdiction or housing authority to be a joint applicant with the housing developer on a specific project. LAHD received 23 letters of inquiry about potential funding for specific projects and conducted a thorough review process. Projects were prioritized by the following criteria: those with an existing LAHD financing commitment, demonstrated true “gap” funding, 100% affordable, included permanent supportive housing units and earned a competitive score in the self-scoring section of the application. Ultimately, LAHD selected submitted 14 applications, 13 of which were awarded funds, securing a total of $46,122,439, 24% of the total IIG funds awarded statewide.

As previously announced, the State of California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) awarded $131.3 million to the City of Los Angeles under the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program. The goal of the AHSC Program is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and vehicle-miles traveled by financing projects that integrate new affordable housing with transportation improvement projects, near work, retail services, and other amenities. The AHSC funds will support the development of seven affordable housing projects. Of the $131.3 million award, $87 million will be allocated for new affordable housing construction and $42 million for transit-related infrastructure projects, including 8.11 miles of pedestrian and cycling improvements. Combined, these seven awarded projects will help reduce over 148,000 metric tons in GHG emissions.

###

RELEASE: CITY OF LOS ANGELES AWARDED $131 MILLION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 25, 2020 Media Contact: sandra.mendoza@lacity.org

CITY OF LOS ANGELES AWARDED $131 MILLION FOR SUSTAINABLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT To support the creation of 725 new housing units and infrastructure improvements

LOS ANGELES – General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), Rushmore D. Cervantes, announced today that the State of California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) has awarded $131.3 million to the City of Los Angeles under the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program. This is the largest SGC award to date to the City of Los Angeles. The goal of the AHSC Program is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and vehicle-miles traveled by financing projects that integrate new affordable housing with transportation improvement projects, near work, retail services, and other amenities routinely used by Angelenos. By paying for infrastructure improvements such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and bus shelters, the AHSC program makes it easier and safer for residents to walk, bike and use public transportation. “In such a competitive environment, wherein Cities and Counties across the State are aggressively seeking funds to support their communities, LAHD is thrilled to accept these valuable dollars from the SGC in support of the City’s ongoing efforts to address environmental challenges while pursuing critically needed affordable housing, which remains an integral part of a more livable, sustainable, and transit-oriented Los Angeles” – Rushmore D. Cervantes, LAHD General Manager The AHSC funds will provide much needed gap-financing for the development of seven (7) affordable housing projects with a total of 725 new apartment homes, of which 595 units (82%) will be dedicated for low-income and extremely low-income households. Of the $131.3 million award, $87 million will be allocated for new affordable housing construction and $42 million for transit-related infrastructure projects, including 8.11 miles of pedestrian and cycling improvements. Combined, these seven awarded projects will help reduce over 148,000 metric tons in GHG emissions. The awarded projects include: Corazon del Valle, Parkview, Rose Hill Court, Santa Monica and Vermont, Thatcher Yard, Washington Arts Collective, and 619 Westlake. Additionally, the City is partnering with Los Angeles County on the 3rd and Dangler project awarded AHSC funds. This marks the fifth consecutive year that LAHD proposals have been awarded AHSC funding. Combined with the prior AHSC awards, the City has successfully secured approximately $330.8 million to support 28 developments with 2,943 new housing units, of which 2,668 are affordable, and an array of GHG emission-reducing transit infrastructure projects. These awards support Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s priority to create a more sustainable City. This outcome is the product of an interdepartmental City team effort coordinated by LAHD, technical assistance provided by Enterprise Community Partners, Inc., and collaboration with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) and Los Angeles County on some of the awarded projects. ###

RELEASE: LAHD TO HOST Q&A ON RENTER PROTECTIONS

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LAHD TO HOST Q&A ON RENTER PROTECTIONS

To answer frequently asked questions from L.A.’s tenants and landlords.

LOS ANGELES — General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), Rushmore D. Cervantes announced today LAHD staff will be hosting a series of live sessions to answer the most frequently asked questions regarding Renter Protections during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Eviction Moratorium.

WHEN
DAY -Thursday, April 9 
TIME – 10 AM

LIVESTREAM: lacityview.org/live (includes closed captioning)
City of LA 35 # 1 (on the GUI) or CTYLACHANNEL35-1
Master Control Room at the Switch 310-287-3800

MEDIA:  Members of the press can submit questions by emailing to: Sandra Mendoza: sandra.mendoza@lacity.org.

RELEASE: LAHD TAKES PREVENTIVE MEASURES ON COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LAHD Takes Preventive Measures on COVID-19

To promote the well-being of Angelenos, LAHD is temporarily suspending public counter service

LOS ANGELES — General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), Rushmore D. Cervantes announced today that to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and to help keep the public and staff safe by limiting exposure, LAHD is temporarily closing its five public counters effective today.

Additionally, effective Monday, March 16th, Systematic Code Enforcement Program (SCEP) inspections are suspended until further notice. LAHD will continue to deploy inspectors in the event of life-safety code violations, and fire-related tenant displacement issues. 

LAHD will maintain operations serving the people of Los Angeles, but limiting the scope of work to prevent exposure to both staff and the public.  The LAHD hotline will continue service during regular business days and hours.  Residents can call (866) 557- RENT or (866) 557-7368 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Or submit housing-related inquiries to: housing.lacity.org/ask-housing.

Residents of Los Angeles are encouraged to subscribe to the official City of Los Angeles Emergency Management communications at NotifyLA.org, for official emergency alerts, and/or follow @ReadyLA on the different social media platforms.

While Los Angeles County maintains that risk is still relatively low, the County’s Department of Public Health is urging all of us to take every possible precaution to stop the spread of the virus. LAHD highly recommends following LA County’s Department of Public Health recommendations. To learn about best practices to prevent the spread of the virus. For more information on Coronavirus Disease, visit: lacounty.gov/covid19.

###

RELEASE: CITY COUNCIL APPROVES NO-FAULT EVICTIONS MORATORIUM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT: SANDRA MENDOZA/LAHD/213-808-5658

CITY COUNCIL APPROVES NO-FAULT EVICTIONS MORATORIUM

To address the surge of the threat of evictions for Angelenos due to rent increase hikes

LOS ANGELES – The General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), Rushmore D. Cervantes, announced that the LA City Council has approved the No-fault Evictions Moratorium Ordinance and has been sent to Mayor Eric Garcetti for approval. 

The No-fault Evictions Moratorium /em>Ordinance (No. 186340), serves as a prelude to the recently passed California Assembly Bill 1482 (AB 1482). The emergency ordinance is a response to the surge on no-fault eviction notices, or threats of evictions.

AB 1482 takes effect January 1, the bill prohibits evictions without “just cause” and owners of residential rental properties from increasing rents each year, restrictions apply. For the City of Los Angeles, this means rent cap for properties not currently protected under the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), approximately 138,000 apartments.

“LAHD welcomes the City Council’s effort to assist the already rent-burdened people of the City to prevent further displacement under current challenges the City faces with homelessness and housing shortages,” said Rushmore Cervantes, LAHD General Manager, “we will work with tenants and landlords and take precautions to protect tenants from unreasonable rent increases that result in displacement of tenants.”

The No-fault Evictions Moratorium Ordinance is effective October 24, 2019, and will expire on December 31, 2019. LAHD will be communicating the emergency ordinance to landlords of properties within the City of Los Angeles.

RELEASE: CITY COUNCIL APPROVES THE MOST RECENT ROUND OF HHH PROJECT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT: SANDRA MENDOZA/LAHD/213-808-5658

CITY COUNCIL APPROVES THE MOST RECENT ROUND OF HHH PROJECTS
The 1.2 billion bond financing has been allocated for 119 projects

 LOS ANGELES – General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), Rushmore D. Cervantes, announced today that the most recent round of applications for Proposition HHH funding was approved by the Los Angeles City Council and will be sent to Mayor Eric Garcetti for approval.

Proposition HHH (HHH) is a $1.2 billion voter-approved bond measure, which provides partial financing (loans) for eligible supportive housing development for homeless residents.  The cost and size of developments vary per project, each development offers comprehensive wrap-around social services for each resident. The City’s loan commitment averages $150,000 per affordable apartment.  Developers are responsible for securing all other financing. HHH projects have been approved throughout the City, in every Council District.

This most recent round has 34 housing developments projected to produce 2,174 of units (apartments), of which 1,686 are supportive housing for homeless persons. This round also includes $120 million for six (6) innovative supportive housing proposals. To date, Proposition HHH resources have enabled a total of 119 projects totaling 8,581 units to be undertaken.

Combined with prior HHH commitments and Non HHH-funded projects, since November 2016 LAHD has a total of 150 supportive housing developments in the pipeline, totaling 10,660 units.  The 10,660 apartment units to be built may house up to 14,000 people, including seniors, veterans, and homeless individuals and families.

   “At LAHD, we are proud of the diligent, complex work that has been done to expedite housing development with HHH funds, while guarding the taxpayers’ dollars. HHH has allowed the City to aggregate its efforts in addressing one of the City’s most challenging social issues of our time – homelessness; while at the same time adding to the City’s much needed affordable housing stock”  -Rushmore D. Cervantes, General Manager, LAHD

The first HHH-funded development is slated to be ready for occupancy in late 2019.  To view detailed HHH data, visit LAHD’s HHH-progress dashboard.

### 

RELEASE: HUD AWARDS $5.6 MILLION TO CITY OF LOS ANGELES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT: SANDRA MENDOZA/LAHD/213-808-5658

HUD AWARDS $5.6 MILLION TO CITY OF LOS ANGELES

Grant through LAHD’s Lead Hazard Remediation Program to assist low-income residents remediate       Lead-based paint and make housing safer and healthier.  

LOS ANGELES — General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), Rushmore D. Cervantes, announced today that LAHD was awarded a $5.6 million grant for LAHD’s Lead Hazard Remediation Program. Los Angeles was one of 77 state and local government agencies that successfully competed for funding nationwide.  

The Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes will help prevent childhood lead poisoning by remediating lead-based paint hazards from homes occupied by lower income families with young children, under the age of 6. The HUD grant is intended to protect children and families from lead-based paint and other related home health hazards and is aligned with the City of Los Angeles’ goals to promote healthier housing  and reduce lead poisoning, which can cause permanent brain damage in young children and fetuses.  

“HUD congratulates the City of Los Angeles in their efforts to improve housing conditions that impact health,” said Matthew Ammon, Director of HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes.  “The City is renewing their commitment to improving the lives of families, and, especially, their children by creating safer and healthier homes.”  

The City of Los Angeles will be awarded $5,000,000 in Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program funding and $600,000 in Healthy Homes Supplemental funding. The City will address lead hazards at an estimated 240 housing units providing safer homes for low and very low-income families with children. The City will also perform healthy homes assessments in 120 units, and work with other medical and social service providers.  

“Young children are at the highest risk to sustaining significant health issues from exposure to lead,” said Rushmore D. Cervantes, LAHD General Manager, “these funds will help protect low income families with children from the dangers of lead-based paint. We welcome this year’s grant from HUD that will assist in making homes safe for Angelenos.”  

The City’s Lead Hazard Remediation Program is available for application by low income families with young children throughout the City, and focuses outreach on lower income neighborhoods, including those in Opportunity Zones (economically incentivized distressed communities).  To learn more about the City’s Lead Hazard Remediation Program, visit: https://housing.lacity.org/residents/keeping-your-home-safe-from-lead-based-paint-hazards.

###

RELEASE: O'FARREL, HOUSING DEPARTMENT HOST 2019 SUMMIT ON POVERTY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

RELEASE: O’FARRELL, HOUSING DEPARTMENT HOST FIRST-EVER SUMMIT ON POVERTY

Event convenes service providers, business leaders, employers, and educational institutions to address long-term solutions to chronic poverty in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES — Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell and the City’s Housing Department on Friday will host the City’s first-ever Poverty Prevention Summit to discuss initiatives aimed at lifting Angelenos out of poverty and preventing them from falling into homelessness.

The event “Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Defining Innovative & Equitable Strategies” will convene service providers, business leaders, employers, and educational institutions to address long-term solutions to chronic poverty in Los Angeles. The summit will help city leaders articulate a plan of action to find real solutions to address this major issue facing Los Angeles.

“Los Angeles is a city where we never give up on the most vulnerable, where we act to lift up families in every zip code, and where we don’t measure progress by how well people are doing at the top — but by how effectively we help Angelenos start to climb toward economic security,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Despite years of disinvestment by the federal government, our city is focused on investing in programs and policies to break the cycle of poverty — and today’s summit is a critical step forward in finding innovative solutions to serving and supporting people who need help.”

“My goal for leading this summit is to lift people out of poverty and prevent them from falling into homelessness,” said Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, Chair of the City’s Homelessness and Poverty Committee. “We are bringing people together today who don’t regularly collaborate on addressing the fundamentals of poverty. I am grateful to all who are providing their expertise and insight on how we can help people thrive instead of just exist at the margins.”

The Summit is a collaboration with the City’s Housing Department to facilitate solution-oriented discussions that will include informed, data-driven and hands-on roundtable sessions during the day-long meeting.

“Not everyone living in poverty is homeless, but everyone who lives in poverty is at-risk of becoming homeless,” said Rushmore D. Cervantes, General Manager, LAHD. “LAHD is prepared to work with Mayor Garcetti and the City Council to tackle poverty through the coordination and implementation of programs and policies aimed at removing barriers for low-income households.”

Input during the Summit will be captured through a facilitated approach and will directly inform policy recommendations for the City Council and O’Farrell’s Homelessness and Poverty Committee.  Many of the panelists speaking at the Summit have either lived experience or professional experience lifting Angelenos out of poverty. 

“Growing up in poverty in a single mother household was a struggle. Not knowing where our next meal would come from, leading me to become a single mother at the age of 16. Having experienced homelessness and drug addictions broke me. But today I am recovered thanks to community support and agencies who supported and helped me. Everything is possible with support. Relationships Matter,” said Adriana Aguilar, on of the story tellers at today’s Summit. 

“Poverty affects the Trans community disproportionally,” said Jazzmun Crayton, another story teller at the Summit.

The Summit, to be held at the California Endowment, will host Keynote Speaker Father Gregory Boyle, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Mayor Eric Garcetti, Council President Herb J. Wesson, Jr., and Councilmembers: Mitch O’Farrell, Paul Koretz, Monica Rodriguez, and Marqueece  Harris-Dawson. Also, Dr. Gary Painter, USC Sol Price Center for Social Innovation, special guest speakers from the Milken Institute and Measure of America, as well as personal stories of perseverance through testimonials.

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CONTACT: 

TONY ARRANAGA/O’FARRELL/213-258-9533

SANDRA MENDOZA/LAHD/213-808-5658

Media Release

RELEASE: LAHD RECEIVES $26.8 MILLION FOR MORTGAGE CREDIT CERTIFICATE (MCC) PROGRAM

RUSHMORE D. CERVANTES
GENERAL MANAGER, LOS ANGELES HOUSING DEPARTMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug 16, 2019

LAHD Media Contact:
Public Information Desk (213) 808-8658

LAHD RECEIVES $26.8 MILLION FOR MORTGAGE CREDIT CERTIFICATE (MCC) PROGRAM

To assist first-time, low- and moderate-income homebuyers purchase homes

LOS ANGELES – General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), Rushmore D. Cervantes, announced today that the LAHD received a new allocation of $26.8 million from the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee (CDLAC) for the City of Los Angeles’ Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program.

The MCC Program is a very popular, citywide homebuyer program that assists low- and moderate-income City residents to purchase their first homes in the City of Los Angeles. The Program provides qualified homebuyers a federal income tax credit of twenty percent (20%) of their annual mortgage interest.  Homebuyers realize the MCC credit every year when they file their federal income tax returns.  The MCC Credit is available throughout the term of the original mortgage, typically 30 years. By reducing the homebuyer’s federal income tax liability, the MCC reduces the amount of federal income tax paid, thereby providing the homebuyer with additional disposable income to qualify for a mortgage and increase their home purchasing power.  The MCC Program may be utilized on a stand-alone basis or in conjunction with the City’s down payment purchase assistance (“soft seconds”) loan programs.

 “We are excited to receive these funds that will help households in the City achieve the American dream of owning a home. The LAHD team is ready to assist eligible, first-time homebuyers realize their dream of homeownership in the City of Los Angeles.”   –Rushmore D. Cervantes, General Manager

To apply: contact one of LAHD’S approved Participating Lenders to be pre-qualified for a first mortgage and the City’s Mortgage Credit Certificate Program, or call (213) 808-8800 for more information.

For more details about the program, features, and requirements, visit the LAHD website (housing.lacity.org), or call (213) 808-8800.

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Media Release

RELEASE: CITY OF LOS ANGELES AWARDED $85 MILLION FOR SUSTAINABLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

RUSHMORE D. CERVANTES
GENERAL MANAGER, LOS ANGELES HOUSING DEPARTMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2019

LAHD Media Contact:
Public Information Desk (213) 808-8658

CITY OF LOS ANGELES AWARDED $85 MILLION FOR SUSTAINABLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

LOS ANGELES – General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), Rushmore D. Cervantes, announced today that the State of California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) has awarded $84.9 million to the City of Los Angeles under the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program.  This is the largest SGC award to date for City of Los Angeles.

The goal of the AHSC Program is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and vehicle-miles traveled by financing integrated new affordable housing developments and transportation improvement projects, near work, retail, and other facilities routinely used by Angelenos.  By paying for infrastructure such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and bus shelters, the AHSC program makes it easier and safer for residents to walk, bike and use public transportation.

“LAHD is thrilled to receive these valuable dollars from the SGC in support of the City’s ongoing efforts to combat climate change while ensuring critically needed affordable housing remains an integral part of a more livable, sustainable, and transit-oriented Los Angeles” – Rushmore D. Cervantes, LAHD General Manager

The AHSC funds will provide much needed gap-financing for the development of five (5) affordable housing projects that will consist of 824 units, of which 709 units (86%) will be dedicated for low-income and extremely low-income households.  Of the $84.9 million award, $58 million will be allocated for new affordable housing construction and $27 million for transit related infrastructure projects, including 11.7 miles of pedestrian and cycling improvements.  Combined, the five awarded projects will help reduce over 102,000 metric tons in GHG emissions.  The projects include: Hollywood Arts Collective * Jordan Downs Phase S3 & Watts Pedestrian Bike District * Manchester Urban Homes * Vermont Manchester Transit Priority Project * Weingart Tower and Skid Row Transportation Safety.

This marks the fourth consecutive year that LAHD proposals have been awarded AHSC funding.  Combined with the prior AHSC awards, the City has successfully secured approximately $200 million to support 21 developments, 2,218 new housing units and an array of GHG emission-reducing transit infrastructure projects.  These awards align with the City of Los Angeles’ Mayor Eric Garcetti’s priorities in creating a more sustainable City.  This outcome is the product of interdepartmental City team effort coordinated by LAHD, technical assistance provided by Enterprise Community Partners, Inc., and collaboration with LA County for one of the five projects.

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Media Release

RELEASE: CITY OF LOS ANGELES’ TEXT RSO CAMPAIGN

RUSHMORE D. CERVANTES
GENERAL MANAGER, LOS ANGELES HOUSING DEPARTMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2019

LAHD Media Contact:
Public Information Desk (213) 808-8658

CITY OF LOS ANGELES’ TEXT RSO CAMPAIGN

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) is expanding its outreach effort to tenants, landlords and the general public with the Text RSO Campaign.

Through the Housing Department’s Rent Division, tenants, landlords, and the public in general can easily find out if a property located within the city of Los Angeles is subject to the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). The Text RSO tool enables tenants, landlords, investors, real estate professionals and others to be informed about specific properties, and how to learn more about their rights and responsibilities.

The City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) applies to rental properties that were first built on or before October 1, 1978 as well as replacement units subject to the state Ellis Act, and includes all of the following: apartments, rented condominium units and townhomes, duplexes, two or more single family dwelling units on the same parcel, rooms in a hotel, motel, and rooming house or boarding house occupied by the same tenant for 30 or more consecutive days, residential unit(s) attached to a commercial building. Mobilehomes and recreational vehicles in mobile home parks are also covered under the RSO.

The RSO addresses – allowable rent increases, registration of rental units requirements, legal reasons for eviction, types of evictions requiring payment of tenant relocation assistance, and disclosure notices for all “Cash for Keys” or Tenant Buyout Agreements.  To learn more about the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance, visit: housing.lacity.org/RSO-Overview

The ‘text RSO’ feature is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Korean.   A person needs only to text the acronym: RSO to 1-855-880-7368 to begin a quick interaction that enables the system to query the property.

The text campaign is user friendly. After texting “RSO”, the system replies with language options. After the texter chooses the language, the subsequent text asks for the street address and zip code. The system follows with a quick ‘yes or no’ confirmation, and the text that follows confirms whether the property is an RSO designated property or not. The texter is also provided LAHD contact information for further inquiries about the specific property.  Learn more about the Rent Stabilization Ordinance on LAHD’s website at housing.lacity.org/Is-My-Rental-Unit-Subject-to-the-RSO

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Media Release

RELEASE: LAHD ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO MAKE BICYCLE SAFETY A TOP PRIORITY

RUSHMORE D. CERVANTES
GENERAL MANAGER, LOS ANGELES HOUSING DEPARTMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2019

LAHD Media Contact:
Public Information Desk (213) 808-8658

LAHD ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO MAKE BICYCLE SAFETY A TOP PRIORITY

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) through the Transportation Safety Program and in coordination with California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) are encouraging drivers and bicycle riders to look out for one another during National Bicycle Safety Month.

Unfortunately, deaths in bicycle injuries and fatalities are on the rise. For City of Los Angeles alone, the California Highway Patrol reports:

Persons by Road Classification and Age in City of Los Angeles – January 1, 2019 – March 31, 2019

Bicycle Involved Fatal

Bicycle Involved Injury

Bicycle Involved Fatal

Under Age 18

Bicycle Involved Injury

Under Age 18

1

219

0

41

Among the primary factors in these incidents were failing to yield right of way, speeding, improper turning, using the wrong side of the road and not following traffic signs or signals.

“Bicycle safety remains a key concern in Los Angeles, this is why under the Community Services & Development Bureau through the Transportation Safety Program, we are committed to educating and informing the public on traffic safety issues, including bicycle riders” –Rushmore Cervantes, LAHD General Manager

In recognition of National Bicycle Safety Month, LAHD joined other agencies to lead a safe walk and bike ride for 40 parents and children around the area of 20th Street School.  This is one of over 50 safe pedestrian and bike ride programs hosted by LAHD under a grant from the State Office of Traffic Safety.

To further raise awareness of bike safety, LAHD is partnering with Good Samaritan Hospital for a press conference:     Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at Good Samaritan Hospital, 1225 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles (Main Entrance) – 9:00 a.m.

LAHD offers a few tips to ensure the safety of everyone on the road:

  • Drivers should look behind them before making a turn at an intersection, especially if crossing into a designated bike lane.
  • Drivers should use extra caution backing up or leaving a parking space.
  • Bicyclists should go with the flow of traffic and let faster traffic pass.
  • Bicyclists should make themselves visible and wear brightly colored clothing.
  • Bicyclists are advised to use lights from dusk to dawn (front white light and rear red flashing light or reflectors).
  • Bicyclists should always wear a helmet and use hand signals when turning or stopping.
  • Both drivers and bicyclists should avoid distractions like using their cell phone.

Funding for transportation safety, including child safety seat, bicycle and pedestrian safety workshops is provided to LAHD by the California Office of Traffic Safety, through a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Media Release

RELEASE: LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT ISSUES 2,048 CITATIONS FOR DISTRACTED DRIVING

RUSHMORE D. CERVANTES
GENERAL MANAGER, LOS ANGELES HOUSING DEPARTMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2019

LAHD Media Contact:
Public Information Desk (213) 808-8658

CITY OF LOS ANGELES HOSTS COMMUNITY MEETINGS TO DISCUSS USE OF FEDERAL GRANTS

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT ISSUES 2,048 CITATIONS FOR DISTRACTED DRIVING

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) through the Transportation Safety Program and in coordination with California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) remind Angelenos of April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month. According to Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) statistics, LAPD cited 2,048 drivers (from 1/1/19-03/31/19) for violating California’s hands-free cell phone law as part of a larger effort to educate the public on the dangers of distracted driving.

“April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and it is important for drivers to understand the huge risks they take using their cell phones behind the wheel,” LAPD, Officer A. Ornelas. “It’s careless, dangerous and illegal. Drivers should keep their eyes on the road, not their phone.”

Under the most recent cell phone law that went into effect in 2017, drivers are prohibited from having a phone in their hand for any reason and can only use their phone in a hands-free manner. The phones must be mounted on the dashboard, windshield or center console, and can only be touched once with the swipe or tap of a finger to activate or deactivate a function. First-time offenders face a $162 fine.

A 2018 observational survey by OTS on driver cell phone use found about 4.5 percent of drivers are still using their cell phone, and more often to perform a function on the phone, versus talking.

“When drivers look down at their phone to read or sent a text, check GPS or scroll through social media, they are taking their eyes off the road, which is incredibly dangerous,” -LAPD, Officer A. Ornelas.

If you need to make a call or text someone, the police department suggests pulling over and parking at a safe location. If you are unable to resist the urge and stay off the phone while driving, put your phone in a place you can’t reach, like the backseat or trunk.

In addition to phones, other serious distractions include eating, grooming, reaching for fallen objects, fiddling with the radio or console controls and changing clothes. LAHD encourages everyone to avoid distractions and go safely.

Funding for transportation safety, including child safety seat, bicycle and pedestrian safety workshops is provided to LAHD by the California Office of Traffic Safety, through a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Media Release

RELEASE: CITY OF LOS ANGELES HOSTS COMMUNITY MEETINGS TO DISCUSS USE OF FEDERAL GRANTS

RUSHMORE D. CERVANTES
GENERAL MANAGER, LOS ANGELES HOUSING DEPARTMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2019

LAHD Media Contact:
Public Information Desk (213) 808-8658

CITY OF LOS ANGELES HOSTS COMMUNITY MEETINGS TO DISCUSS USE OF FEDERAL GRANTS

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) is pleased to announce the release of Mayor Eric Garcetti’s proposed budget for the 45th Program Year Consolidated Plan.  The overall budget of more than $138 million is intended to support communities in low to moderate income neighborhoods.  The LAHD is hosting three community meetings to share the proposed Consolidated Plan budget and collect community feedback.

Last year, the Mayor and City Council approved the 2018-2022 Five-Year Consolidated Plan Overview that outlines the framework for how the City will coordinate efforts to revitalize low income neighborhoods during a five-year period. The Program Year 45 Consolidated Plan proposed budget is focused on the following objectives: to develop urban communities, to provide decent housing and suitable living environments, and to expand economic opportunity for all City residents, and in particular the most vulnerable residents experiencing homelessness and income insecurity. These funds are for projects and programs aimed at increasing access to affordable housing, revitalizing neighborhoods and supporting economic development primarily benefiting low income residents of the City.

Some of the proposed projects in the Mayor’s budget for housing and community development grant funds include: Neighborhood Improvements, Economic Development Projects, Housing and Related Programs, and Public Services, including the following new programs: 1) Eviction Defense, 2) Children’s Savings Accounts, and 3) Expanded After-school Services.  Details of the proposed budget will be shared at the upcoming community meetings and everyone is welcome to attend and provide feedback.

DATES FOR COMMUNITY MEETINGS:

All meetings held 6:00 p.m. -7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Mervyn M. Dymally High School

8800 San Pedro Street

Los Angeles, CA  90003

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

El Nido Family Center

11243 Glenoaks Blvd.

Pacoima, CA  91331

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Central City Neighborhood Partners

501 South Bixel Street

Los Angeles, CA  90017

Everyone is urged to attend to provide recommendations and comments on the proposed projects, and all comments will be shared with elected officials.

Individuals unable to attend but who would like to submit comments, via email to: housing.planning@lacity.org, by mail: Los Angeles Housing Department, 1200 W. 7th Street, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA  90017, Attn: Julie O’Leary, Director of Consolidated Planning.

For more information, contact Julie O’Leary at: julie.oleary@lacity.org.

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Media Release

RELEASE: CIT BANK RENEWS PARTNERSHIP WITH A NEW GRANT FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER ASSISTANCE

RUSHMORE D. CERVANTES
GENERAL MANAGER, LOS ANGELES HOUSING DEPARTMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2019

LAHD Media Contact:
Public Information Desk (213) 808-8658

CIT BANK RENEWS PARTNERSHIP WITH A NEW GRANT FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER ASSISTANCE

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) today announced that CIT Bank, N.A., the banking subsidiary of CIT Group Inc., has awarded a $400,000 grant to LAHD to help lower-income Angelenos achieve the American Dream.

In late 2017, CIT Bank provided $400,000, which enabled LAHD to assist 28 hard-working families in purchasing single-family homes and condominiums throughout the city. For this purpose, CIT is now renewing that grant for another year.

For over 25 years, LAHD has operated first-time homebuyer assistance programs, providing eligible first-time homebuyers with purchase assistance in the form of a deferred-payment “soft second” loan to be used toward down payment, acquisition and closing costs.  Personal income tax credits in the form of mortgage credit certificates (MCCs) are also available to first-time buyers.

“CIT is pleased to partner with the City of L.A. and renew our support for first-time, low- and moderate- income families in their efforts to secure permanent single family housing,” said Steve Solk, president of Consumer Banking for CIT. “Together, we are committed to strengthening neighborhoods and enhancing the lives of local L.A. residents.”

With rising home prices and interest rates, the path to homeownership has become increasingly difficult, especially for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers. LAHD’s resources for first-time homebuyers are primarily federal grants and MCCs via the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee (CDLAC).  With these limited resources LAHD can typically assist fewer than 100 home buying low-income households a year and thus continuously seeks other grant sources.  This second $400,000 grant from CIT will enable LAHD to provide loans to an additional 28 homebuyers.

Denise Harris, a new homeowner, received an LAHD Low Income Purchase Assistance (LIPA) loan of $60,000, including $15,000 from the CIT grant awarded in late 2017. Ms. Harris stated: “I am grateful for the program and all the assistance that I received.  I am a single mother of three and obtained a brand new home through the wonderful LIPA Program and Habitat for Humanity. This has been a blessing to my family and made my homeownership dream a more affordable possibility. hank you!”

Another new homeowner assisted by the CIT grant, Nelson Armando Flores, shared that “The LIPA Program made my dream of owning a home come true.  I had been thinking of purchasing a home for myself and my family for over eight years but with home prices being so high, it always seemed like just a dream. Thanks to this wonderful program, my wife, three sons and myself, now own our own home.  Thank you for this great opportunity.  Hopefully, this program never ends.”

LAHD General Manager Rushmore Cervantes, stated that, “LAHD is pleased to accept this new CIT grant which will support our loan programs for low-income, first-time homebuyers. The demand for assistance by highly qualified buyers is far greater than the limited resources available for this purpose.”

To learn more about the City’s First-Time Homebuyer Programs, please visit housing.lacity.org/homebuyers.

CIT is a leading national bank focused on empowering businesses and personal savers with the financial agility to navigate their goals. CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT) is a financial holding company with over a century of experience, approximately $50 billion in assets as of Sept. 30, 2018, and operates a principal bank subsidiary, CIT Bank, N.A. (Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender). The company’s commercial banking segment includes commercial financing, real estate financing, equipment financing, factoring and railcar financing. CIT’s consumer banking segment includes its national online bank, CIT Bank, and a Southern California branch bank, OneWest Bank. Discover more at cit.com/about. CIT’s banking subsidiary is based in Pasadena, California, and includes the OneWest Bank Southern California branch network and the national online bank CIT Bank.

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