Community Invited To Learn More About City's Tiny Home Project

LONG BEACH, CA — Long Beach residents were invited to participate in a community meeting to learn about the Tiny Modular Shelter project that aims to provide interim housing options for people experiencing homelessness.

At the virtual meeting on Oct. 30, city staff will share additional information about the project including proposed operations and and locations for the tiny homes. Advanced registration is required for the meeting that is taking place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. via Zoom.

The Long Beach City Council approved a contract for the design, manufacturing, delivery and installation of up to 35 of the tiny homes in February. According to the city, the purpose of the program is to connect people experiencing chronic homelessness with permanent housing opportunities as quickly as possible.

Connect Homes, the Los Angeles-based firm, was determined to be the most qualified for the job because they met specific criteria including the reasonableness of costs, experience in the performance of comparable engagement and expertise and availability of key personnel.

“These Tiny Homes are integral to the City’s commitment to shelter our residents who are experiencing homelessness,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “These homes will provide comfort, services and hope to people who can use the assistance during their pathway to permanent housing.”

The contract with Connect Homes cost a total of $2,550,261 for a period of two years, with the option to renew for three more one-year periods. The funds for the program came from the city health department's Project Homekey Grant awarded in August 2022, city officials said.

Each unit is 100 square feet and includes a bed, restroom and shower, lighting, HVAC and storage, the city said. Fire suppression systems will also be included in each unit.

City officials will be responsible for annual operating and programming costs estimated to cost $930,818 per year. These costs include utilities, maintenance, food and staffing. Occupants will be provided three meals a day, according to city officials.