Los Angeles allocated $62.6 million in taxpayer funds for a homeless housing program that promised to fill 2,000 apartments, but nearly a year after launch, only three units have been occupied.
Program Falls Short of Goals
Councilmember Nithya Raman, chair of the Los Angeles City Council’s Housing and Homelessness Committee, introduced the Time Limited Subsidy program in September 2025 as a cost-effective alternative to Mayor Karen Bass’ Inside Safe Program. The plan aimed to lease apartments and subsidize rent for homeless individuals rather than paying for motel stays or shelters. The City Council approved the initiative last September and allocated resources for a redesigned version targeting 2,000 households in January. Full implementation began March 1, but by June 25, only three apartments had occupants.
Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez expressed sharp criticism of the results. “One household a month is not a solution,” Rodriguez told The Post. “I would say they’re having issues with the program. It’s not working.” Rodriguez contrasted Raman’s promises with actual outcomes, stating that Raman “says a lot of words but doesn’t deliver.”
Pattern of Delays
This program marks the second homelessness initiative linked to Raman that has stalled despite substantial government funding. The Post previously reported that a $4 million state grant Raman secured to address dangerous encampments along a 19-mile stretch of the Los Angeles River remained unspent nearly two years after being awarded. The funds came from California’s Encampment Resolution Fund, designed to relocate people from encampments into housing and supportive services. Raman’s office attributed the delay to administrative and contracting issues.
Paul Webster, executive director of the Los Angeles Alliance for Human Rights, criticized the city’s overall approach. “This is par for the course for Los Angeles’ response to homelessness: too little, too late, and not enough attention to making sure the most vulnerable are removed from the streets as quickly as possible,” Webster said. He added that his organization insisted on metrics and milestones because relying on the city produces underwhelming results.
Cost Comparison and Response
The council adopted Raman’s program to reduce dependence on expensive motel accommodations, which cost approximately $85,000 per person annually. Raman’s office defended the program, characterizing the figures as an “early snapshot” and noting that contracts with service providers only began in spring. The office stated the city will monitor progress closely to ensure success. Raman, who is campaigning to become mayor, has advocated for scaling back reliance on Bass’ Inside Safe motel program in favor of cheaper alternatives including time-limited subsidies and shared housing arrangements.
