By Jorge Casuso

February 20, 2024 -- A total of 56 homeless individuals and families living on Santa Monica streets have moved into LA area apartments under an emergency housing program funded by the federal government.

Santa Monica secured 104 emergency housing vouchers (EHV) distributed by HUD two years ago under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and issued 99 of the vouchers by the February 15 deadline, City officials said.

Since the City Council green-lighted a plan to move EVH holders to the top of the Santa Monica's waiting list for low-income housing the City matched 115 participants referred by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), officials said.

"As required by the federal EHV program, all participants have to be referred by the local Continuum of Care lead entity (LAHSA))," said Lauren Howland, the City's Communications and Public Information Manager.

"All of the participants referred and issued vouchers were/are homeless in Santa Monica," Howland said.

The "overwhelming majority" of the participants are registered with The People Concern, with approximately 20 households registered with Upward Bound House, a 20-unit transitional housing property, she said.

Under an agreement between the City and L.A. Housing Agency homeless participants in Santa Monica can secure housing "in areas of their choice" outside the city.

Of the 56 EVH households who have secured housing, 38 have "leased-up" in Santa Monica and 18 in Los Angeles, according to the data.

Those who remained in Santa Monica secured leases with "city-funded nonprofit affordable housing, inclusionary housing within otherwise market-rate developments, and rent controlled apartments," Howland said.

According to HUD, which provided some 70,000 emergency vouchers paid for with $1.1 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act, the program was established to "assist individuals and families who are homeless."

It also helps those "at-risk of homelessness, fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, or were recently homeless or have a high risk of housing instability."

In May 2022, the City Council voted to move EHV holders near the top of a waiting list that prioritized those who live or work in Santa Monica and meet the income requirements.

Those facing eviction due to the Ellis Act or similar reasons are still given top priority ("Homeless to Be Given Priority for Low-Income Housing," May 12, 2022).

In addition to prioritizing EHV holders, the City’s program provides assistance with security deposits when needed, Howland said.