LA to receive $46 million in housing vouchers from American Rescue Plan

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles will receive 3,295 emergency housing vouchers, totaling $46 million, through the American Rescue Plan, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Monday.

“The American Rescue Plan is doing exactly what was promised — helping our hardest-hit families, workers, and communities recover from this pandemic, get back to work, find a roof over their heads, and begin the road to a stronger tomorrow,” Garcetti said.

“As a city already making heroic investments in solving the twin crises of homelessness and housing insecurity, Los Angeles is ready to put these vouchers to work bringing our unhoused neighbors indoors and forging a fairer, more just and equitable future for every Angeleno.”

The vouchers, which expire after nine years, will help families and individuals who are or were recently experiencing homelessness, at risk of becoming homeless, or escaping or attempting to escape domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking, Garcetti’s office said.

“We are honored to receive the second largest allocation in the county,” said Doug Guthrie, president and CEO of HACLA. “These vouchers will be a great help to Los Angeles residents who have been impacted by the pandemic and are now facing housing instability. HACLA is prepared to get these out to Angelenos in need.”

The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan was signed on March 11 by President Joe Biden, providing Los Angeles with $1.35 billion amid a budget crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The plan also includes nearly $50 billion for nationwide housing and homelessness assistance, emergency rental provisions, utility bill assistance, financial aid for college students and direct aid to state and local governments to use for supportive services, affordable housing and non- congregate shelter acquisitions.

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