LA Leaders Urge Rapid Expansion of Shared Housing Amid Crisis

BREAKING: Los Angeles City Council is taking urgent steps to expand shared housing as a critical solution for the city’s rising homelessness crisis. A motion led by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield aims to enhance low-cost housing options for lower-income residents, older adults, and those experiencing homelessness.

In response to escalating housing costs and diminishing homelessness budgets, the council’s motion directs city departments to investigate how shared housing can be implemented more broadly. This innovative model allows individuals to live together in homes with private rooms while sharing common areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

“Shared housing offers a vital alternative to the limited interim beds and permanent supportive housing units currently available,” Blumenfield stated. “This community-based approach expands housing options and fosters social connection.” The initiative follows a successful pilot program in Blumenfield’s district with the nonprofit SHARE!, which has housed 103 people since 2022 at a fraction of traditional housing costs.

During the latest Housing and Homelessness Committee meeting, Jason Robison from SHARE! highlighted the program’s rapid growth, emphasizing its effectiveness at delivering lower-cost placements. “We urged the council to scale this kind of housing across every City Council district,” Robison said.

On Wednesday, the committee voted to advance the motion with amendments, including a directive for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) to explore new funding opportunities and master-leasing options to bolster shared housing initiatives.

As the city grapples with tightening budgets and the urgency of complying with a settlement from the LA Alliance for Human Rights, city leaders are increasingly advocating for creative housing solutions. Blumenfield remarked, “As federal funding decreases, we must encourage innovative strategies.”

The motion, initially introduced in March 2024, calls for a comprehensive review of shared housing models, including congregate housing and co-housing. LAHSA already runs successful programs with shared living elements, but a significant scale-up would require additional supports like rental registries and landlord incentives.

Sharon Sandow, spokesperson for the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), stated, “We look forward to analyzing this model to meet the diverse housing needs in Los Angeles.” However, the department has yet to initiate this work as the motion awaits full City Council approval.

Service providers emphasize that while shared housing is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it is crucial for clients with fixed incomes, such as low-income seniors and those transitioning from homelessness. Haley Fuselier, senior director at PATH, asserted, “We have to lean into it, or else we’re going to leave out a population.”

Providers like The People Concern report positive outcomes from their own shared housing programs, with a retention rate of 92%, similar to their traditional housing units. CEO John Maceri noted, “We need all housing resources available. Some people thrive in shared environments.”

However, concerns remain about ensuring fair housing protections and managing roommate conflicts. Councilmember Heather Hutt raised these issues during the committee meeting, prompting assurances that guidelines would be developed to address such challenges.

Despite some friction, proponents argue the need for immediate action is critical. Blumenfield concluded, “Shared housing is a cost-effective solution that allows people to share expenses and maximize public rental vouchers.” As Los Angeles faces a homelessness crisis of unprecedented scale, the push for shared housing has never been more urgent.

Stay tuned for updates as the City Council prepares to vote on this pivotal motion, which could reshape the landscape of affordable housing in LA.