The Section 8 Choice Voucher Program: Federal Rules and Local Policies Affecting Individuals with Criminal Histories. “Section 8” housing vouchers are the federal government’s primary form of housing assistance for low-income and homeless families with children, homeless individuals, the elderly, veterans, and people with disabilities. This memorandum provides a side-by-side comparison of the federal Section 8 regulations affecting persons with criminal records and the policies of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) and the Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (HACOLA). The objective is to identify areas where locally erected barriers to access can be reduced, thus maximizing the potential of the Section 8 program to help end homelessness in the City and County of Los Angeles.

LAHSA Opposes Proposition 98. Proposition 98 is one of two ballot initiatives dealing with eminent domain that will appear on the California State Primary ballot on June 3, 2008. Proposition 98 seeks to amend the State Constitution to limit the government’s use of eminent domain and to phase out existing and prohibit future rent control laws. It is our analysis that passage of Proposition 98 would result in a net loss in affordable housing, especially for seniors on a fixed income, and will put many low-income tenants in a precarious housing situation which may result in homelessness.

2008 Legislative Agenda. LAHSA has adopted this legislative agenda for 2008. These policy priorities are in line with LAHSA’s mission to support, create and sustain solutions to homelessness in Los Angeles County.

2007 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. LAHSA coordinates this count every two years. The results are used to measure and identify need, to plan resource use, and to raise public awareness about homelessness in the Los Angeles Continuum of Care.

Housing Elements. California law requires each chartered and general law city and county to develop and adopt a general plan that governs land use. The general plan must include seven different “elements,” including a housing element. Every housing element must include an analysis of the special housing needs of the homeless.
Housing Elements: Overview and Analysis. This document reviews the fundamentals of housing elements, including the adoption process, key components, special needs assessment for the homeless, and enforcement. It also outlines the status of housing elements in Los Angeles County.
Letter to cities. LAHSA recently sent a letter to every city in Los Angeles County, offering our assistance as they gather information for their housing element analyses.
Best Practices. LAHSA also sent the cities a list of homeless policy best practices to be used in writing their housing element.

Senate Bill 2: An Overview and Analysis. Senate Bill 2, also known as the “Fair Share Zoning Bill,” was signed into law on October 13, 2007. It stipulates that all California cities and counties will be required to determine the number of homeless persons in their housing elements and identify zones where emergency shelters are allowed to locate without conditional use or discretionary permits. This memo summarizes SB 2’s mandate: requirements, time frame, and duties of counties, cities and local public officials.

2007 Continuum of Care Exhibit I Report. LAHSA submitted this report in response to the 2007 SuperNOFA application from the application from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. LAHSA's report provides summary information regarding the various efforts in LA County to end homelessness.

FAQ:

Common Acronyms List. The most commonly used acronyms and definitions of agencies, entities and terms associated with homeless and housing services.

Archives:

2005 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. Homeless census from 2005. See description of 2007 Homeless Count (above) for more information.