By: Elgin Nelson, Staff
Beginning this month, qualified low-income renters can receive up to 6 months of financial assistance towards unpaid rent from the city of Los Angeles. United to House LA (ULA), an organization designed to reduce homelessness and protect low-income seniors, launched this new program in hopes of preventing individuals from becoming unhoused.
Ann Sewill, General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing Department, encourages all residents of Los Angeles who are eligible to apply. “I encourage Angelenos to go online or call the hotline to determine eligibility and apply if eligible.”
Applications for this program are now open and will close on October 2nd at 6:00 p.m.
Eligible renters must be verified residents of the City of Los Angeles. The applicant must also have a current income at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI).
The income limit category varies with the amount of people in a given household. Also, at least one or more individuals in a household subjected to “any loss of income, loss of employment, incurred significant costs, or any other financial hardship from April 2020 to present” are eligible to apply.
Marcella DeShurley, Director of Rent Stabilization for the City of Los Angeles Housing
Department said, “This program will have a definitive impact on Black and brown households. The majority of approved applications are from minority applicants.”
Finally, on October 23, an additional portal devised for landlords who own 12 units or less will open. More information to follow closer to the date.
There are three ways to apply for assistance. Those interested can submit an application online as well as by phone Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. at (888) 379-3150, or in person. Visit housing.lacity.org to find the nearest office location.