The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday approved the allocation of $177 million to four organizations dedicated to homeless prevention and eviction defense services. The vote came after two previous delays stemming from opposition voiced by the City Attorney’s Office.
Funding Approved for Key Programs
In a 12-1 vote, the Council authorized the Los Angeles Housing Department to contract with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA), Liberty Hill Foundation, Strategic Action For A Just Economy, and the Southern California Housing Rights Center. These organizations are central to the Stay Housed LA program.
Councilman John Lee cast the sole dissenting vote. Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez was absent, and Councilman Curren Price recused himself due to his status as a landlord.
Concerns Raised Over Contract Award
City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto expressed concerns about awarding a large contract to LAFLA, citing the organization’s history of litigation against the city. A spokesperson for the City Attorney’s Office stated the issue wasn’t the eviction defense program itself, but rather a “$177 million blank check to LAFLA and its partners without the reports and invoice review that is required by law.”
LAFLA and Strategic Action For A Just Economy (SAJE) have previously lobbied the City Council for increased tenant protections. Last month, a court ruling secured by a lead attorney for LAFLA blocked the city from removing inoperable RVs from city streets.
Program Impact and Future Funding
Representatives from the organizations involved maintain that city funding is specifically allocated to tenant rights and eviction defense services. According to Barbara Schultz, director of housing justice for LAFLA, Stay Housed LA has assisted 24,000 LA tenants, with legal representation provided to approximately 6,000. LAFLA reports a 94% success rate, with 55% of tenants remaining in their homes and 39% achieving favorable settlements.
The funding will be sourced from Measure United to House LA. The contracts approved Tuesday are expected to expire on June 30, 2027. The Housing Department requested authorization from the City Council and Mayor Karen Bass for a nearly $107 million contract with LAFLA, $22 million for Liberty Hill Foundation, $7 million for SAJE, and $42 million for the Southern California Housing Rights Center.
Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez stated that the approved contract will “prevent people from losing their homes.” Councilman Lee expressed concerns about transparency and accountability in the distribution of public funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Stay Housed LA program?
Stay Housed LA provides free legal support for vulnerable tenants and is a program designed to prevent eviction and homelessness.
How much funding was approved for the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles?
The City Council approved a nearly $107 million contract with LAFLA for eviction defense and prevention services.
Where does the funding for these programs come from?
The funding will come from Measure United to House LA, as well known as the “mansion tax,” and Senate Bill 2 Permanent Local Housing Allocation Fund.
As the city moves forward with these contracts, it remains to be seen how the relationship between the city and organizations like LAFLA will evolve, and whether concerns regarding transparency and accountability will be addressed.
