Welcome to the Housing Choice Newsletter! This is a bi-monthly publication for the Long Beach Housing Authority to share relevant news, resources, and information for participants connected to our housing assistance programs.

A WORD FROM OUR DIRECTOR

In 2023, we are looking forward to formally inviting the community in the spring to welcome you all to our new office space and learn more about the different services available to you from our partners.

In this month's newsletter, we have helpful information for you about gaining internet access, best practices when looking online, and your rights as a renter.

We also have upcoming workshops for any questions from current or future participants. There are options for both online and in-person events throughout Long Beach.

To hear about the resources available to you, please continue reading.

Sincerely, 

Alison King



YOU SHOULD KNOW

City launches new homeless services and information hub webpage

The City of Long Beach launched a new Homeless Services and Information Hub webpage developed in an effort to provide a one-stop-shop of resources and information for the public and to offer a more open and transparent platform regarding homelessness in Long Beach.

Refusal to rent to someone receiving rental assistance is against the law

Source of income discrimination in housing has been unlawful since January 1, 2020, but unfortunately, it continues to occur, especially when it comes to the use of federal Housing Choice vouchers.

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) sponsored a test on fair housing in Los Angeles County and recently found that nearly half of the properties tested showed evidence of source of income discrimination.

CRD has developed a fact sheet to educate renters about source of income discrimination and tell them how to file a complaint. People who have experienced this discrimination can file a complaint with CRD online, or by telephone at (800)884-1684.

CRD and the Department of Real Estate have also created a fact sheet explaining tenants’ rights, covering such things as rent increases, evictions, and discrimination.

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has the Affordable Connectivity Program. This FCC benefit program helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more.

The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.

To learn more and check your eligibility, click the button below.

Cyber Security

Remember to practice smart internet browsing. Don't give out personal information, click on unknown links, or install applications from suspicious sources.

The City of Long Beach has provided the following resources for you to learn more:

• How to Spot and Avoid Common Scams
• Avoiding Phishing Emails

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 1 @ 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Virtual Rental Counseling Workshop

Fair Housing Foundation



Current and future renters are encouraged to join our workshop to learn about:

• Protecting yourself from eviction & housing loss
• Connect you with resources to assist with a utility bill and other rental support
• How to improve credit scores for renting
• Savings goals for overcoming renting barriers
• Steps to find affordable housing
• An overview of fair housing laws and discrimination
• An overview of tenant rights

NEWS

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH

For general questions or if you'd like to include something in the next newsletter, please email: HA-News@longbeach.gov