LA City Leaders Push for Urgent Expansion of Shared Housing Model

UPDATE: Los Angeles city leaders are urgently considering an expansion of the shared housing model to combat rising housing costs and homelessness. In a motion led by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, city officials are directed to explore how shared housing can serve as a vital resource for low-income renters, seniors, and homeless individuals across the city.

The proposal comes amid tightening budgets and heightened urgency as the city grapples with compliance timelines related to the LA Alliance for Human Rights lawsuit. During a recent Housing and Homelessness Committee meeting, Blumenfield emphasized that shared housing presents a necessary alternative to the limited options currently available, stating, “This community-based approach not only expands housing options, but also promotes social connection and stability.”

The motion seeks to evaluate incentives for landlords, roommate-matching programs, and integration with housing vouchers to enhance accessibility. With traditional housing options growing scarce, the shared housing initiative could be a crucial lifeline for many Angelenos.

Since beginning a pilot program in his district, Blumenfield reported a striking achievement: 103 people successfully housed at a fraction of the typical cost. Jason Robison, chief program officer at SHARE!, noted, “We’ve housed 103 people at a fraction of the cost…we urge the council to scale this kind of housing across every City Council district.”

This week, the committee voted to advance the motion with amendments aimed at assessing master-leasing opportunities and utilizing funds from Measure ULA and the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency to support shared housing initiatives. The urgency of this approach is further underscored by diminishing federal and state funding for homelessness programs.

As the city explores the potential of shared housing, advocates stress the model’s flexibility, particularly for seniors and individuals on fixed incomes. Haley Fuselier, senior director at PATH, highlighted the necessity of shared housing for those who “cannot afford a fair market apartment,” saying, “We have to lean into it, or else we’re going to leave out a population.”

However, challenges remain. City officials acknowledged the need for guidelines to ensure fair housing protections and manage potential roommate conflicts. Councilmember Heather Hutt raised valid concerns during the committee meeting, emphasizing the importance of implementing thorough compatibility assessments to ensure smooth transitions into shared living situations.

Despite these challenges, Blumenfield and other proponents maintain that shared housing is a cost-effective strategy to address the pressing housing crisis. “With reductions in funding from all levels of government, shared housing is a solution that allows people to share the cost of housing and stretch publicly funded rental vouchers longer,” he stated.

As city officials prepare to conduct further analysis on shared housing models, the urgency to provide immediate and effective housing solutions for vulnerable populations in Los Angeles is more critical than ever. The next steps will include drafting detailed reports on the feasibility and implementation strategies for shared housing across the city, aiming to deliver results that can transform lives.

Stay tuned for more developments on this critical issue as Los Angeles seeks innovative solutions to its housing crisis.