Temple City approves Family Promise contract to deliver rental assistance for families at risk of homelessness

Temple City’s council approved on April 2 a reprogramming of Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) funds and agreements with Family Promise of the San Gabriel Valley to administer rental assistance, move‑in aid and case management for families and individuals at risk of homelessness.

City Manager Brian Cook and project staff described the program as a wraparound model combining financial assistance and case management meant to stabilize households and prevent homelessness. Staff reported two proposals were received and recommended Family Promise based on budget realism and organizational experience; Family Promise’s proposal estimates assisting up to 13 families with a minimum six‑month rental assistance term and providing one‑time move‑in assistance to approximately five households.

Lenita Tatamy, executive director of Family Promise of the San Gabriel Valley, told the council the organization will spend the funds locally and coordinate with Temple City Unified School District and local nonprofits to identify and vet eligible households. “All the money is spent in Temple City,” Tatamy said, summarizing the proposed local focus. Tatamy said Family Promise will provide case management (one full‑time and one part‑time staff), financial‑literacy support and referrals to other affordable‑housing resources where needed.

Staff clarified program mechanics: move‑in costs (application fees, security deposit, first/last month’s rent, furniture) would be paid to landlords when applicable, participants are expected to contribute matching funds to ensure household buy‑in, and the city would be reimbursed by the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) for eligible expenditures. Staff also noted that Family Promise requested a $50,000 advance in capital to scale services quickly; total available PLHA funds and future year allocations were summarized for council, with staff saying the funding is time‑limited and will be expended by year's end unless LACDA extends deadlines.

The council moved to close out the previously approved PLHA program and approve the two Family Promise agreements; after discussion the motion passed on a unanimous roll call. Council members asked for periodic progress reporting; staff agreed to provide updates on enrollment, number of households assisted, and progress toward housing stabilization.

Next steps: Family Promise will begin outreach in coordination with Temple City Unified and local partners; staff will manage contract execution and report program outcomes to the council and LACDA.