Torrance extends 3290 temporary‑housing contract; staff reports housing and outreach outcomes

The Torrance City Council approved a one‑year amendment to the city's temporary housing operations contract with Harbor Interfaith Services, extending operations at the 3290 site and directing staff to appropriate grant funds to cover the contract.

Community Development staff and Harbor Interfaith presented program outcomes and funding details. Julia Smith (Community Development) said the recommended amendment would raise the contract by about 2.7% to support staffing, utilities and trash, bringing the contract to roughly $1.83 million for FY 2026–27. Smith described a multi‑source funding approach that includes federal community project funds, state Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) dollars, opioid‑abatement allocations and a $250,000 Measure A local‑solutions award expected from the South Bay Council of Governments.

Tahia Hastes, executive director of Harbor Interfaith Services, summarized operational goals: temporary housing, case management and navigation to permanent housing. Program director Samantha Rodriguez reported that, since July 5, 2022, 46 clients at the 3290 site have been permanently housed, 38 clients have been matched to housing vouchers, and 60 clients have been connected to physical or mental health services. City outreach staff reported 61 encampment responses citywide and 1,986 individuals contacted through outreach efforts; outreach staff said 70 people have been housed directly from street outreach (not via the 3290 site).

Council members asked for more detail on outcomes and housing pathways. Council Member Matuchi asked whether permanent placements were through Section 8 vouchers; staff said many placements used share‑housing arrangements and other local subsidy programs, with coordinated‑entry prioritization for high‑acuity clients. Staff explained the coordinated‑entry assessment produces an acuity score used to prioritize access to permanent supportive housing.

The council approved the contract amendment and the related grant submittals and appropriations (motion carried with Mayor Chen absent). Staff said they will execute grant agreements and return with required reporting on program outcomes and finances.

Quotes from the meeting:
"The recommendation is to approve this contract amendment," Julia Smith said, describing a proposed contract increase to support operations.
"At 3290, our housing metrics since July 5, 2022 to date: the amount of clients permanently housed through 3290 is 46," Samantha Rodriguez said.

What happens next: City staff will execute the contract amendment, submit and accept grant awards, and incorporate the funds into the FY 2026–27 budget as directed by council. Harbor Interfaith will continue to report housing metrics to the city as part of contract oversight.