County Showcases Partnership Advantages

HouseLA Event Thanks and Engages Property Owners

May 9, 2024 – The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) welcomed property owners in the Antelope Valley for a presentation on incentives available for renting to individuals and families who have experienced homelessness. Held at the Antelope Valley College Palmdale Center, the event not only highlighted existing partnerships but also served as a “thank you” to property owners for providing much needed housing in the Antelope Valley.

The event was also an opportunity to review the LACDA’s Homeless Incentive Program (HIP), which provides financial incentives to property owners who agree to accept subsidized tenants holding Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers or Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Vouchers.

Those incentives include:

1. A Sign-On Bonus – Payable upon the execution of a Housing Assistance Payment contract.
2. Move-In Assistance – Application fee assistance, up to $50 per adult, per application, as well as security deposit (up to double the rent) and utility assistance to get the unit move-in ready.
3. Damage Mitigation – Up to $2,000 for repairs not covered by the security deposit.

The LACDA first began HIP in 2016, but the unprecedented circumstances during the pandemic further highlighted the financial challenges faced by individuals and families looking for housing. To assist, HIP evolved to meet those needs such as by increasing sign-on and move-in bonuses to help families who lost housing opportunities due to financial instability. In addition, Virtual Owner Engagement events have been held to help bridge communication gaps with housing providers.  Between March 2020 and to date, the LACDA’s HIP partnership with Los Angeles County property owners has housed 4,311 formerly homeless individuals and families.

More than 70 property owners attended the HouseLA event, many of whom expressed their commitment to keeping Antelope Valley families housed and shared their positive experience with HIP. HIP staff from both LACDA offices in Alhambra and Palmdale were also available to answer any questions from new or current partners about the incentives.

“The LACDA is grateful for the commitment property owners have shown to help house our neighbors in need,” said Emilio Salas, LACDA Executive Director. “We know there is still much work to be done, but these events emphasize the important role of our local property owners not only in the Antelope Valley but throughout the County, who serve as the key to keeping families housed.”

Property owners interested in participating in Los Angeles County’s programs are invited to visit the LACDA website at www.lacda.org.