Housing & Essential Resources

While the City of Torrance is not a social service provider agency, we do have a number of organizations that provide outreach, support and access to resources to our community located in Torrance and in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County. While the City of Torrance does have a Housing division that oversees the Section 8/subsidized housing allotment for the City, the wait list for rental vouchers is closed, and has been closed since 2009, and is not currently accepting new applications. At this time, the City of Torrance does not have motel or hotel vouchers available.

We understand that during this pandemic, people experiencing homelessness, or now experiencing housing instability because of COVID-19 and impacts on a households employment and compensation, that our community members are seeking some resources-- housing, food, general information, etc. 

Community members may need support and resources due to:
  • Loss of income due to work place closure or reduced hours due to COVID-19
  • Loss of income or child care expenditures due to school closures
  • Health care expenditures stemming from COVID-19 exposure or an illness within the household
  • Reasonable expenditures stemming from government ordered emergency measures
  • Other reasons

Please find below some pertinent information that addresses some basic needs, and always feel free to contact the City Manager's Office at (310) 618-5880 for additional assistance. 
​Resources for Property Owners and Landlords

Stay Housed L.A. County

The County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs has launched Stay Housed Los Angeles County, a new emergency eviction defense program in response to COVID-19. This program is a partnership between the County of Los Angeles and local community and legal services providers that provides resources on tenant rights and the legal assistance for residents who cannot make rent and are facing losing their homes. Learn more at: www.StayHousedLA.org

GENERAL LISTING OF RESOURCES
HOUSING RIGHTS
FOOD
HYGIENE
As California moves quickly to launch its CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program, check out available resources to California consumers for COVID-19 eviction protection and rental assistance.


CA COVID-19 Rent Relief - For questions regarding rental assistance, please refer to the following locations: 
  1. Housing is Key's Website - This website is the main portal for landlords and tenants to get information on COVID-19 rental assistance and eviction protections. You can find the application to apply for rental relief here.
  2. CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Call Center - You can call this number for more information about state's rental assistance program, eligibility requirements, need help with the application or asking about a local partner or organization in your area for help.
    • Phone: (833) 430-2122
    • Hours of Operation: Monday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.


Eviction Protection Resources
  1. Housing is Key's Website - This website is the main portal for landlords and tenants to get information on COVID-19 rental assistance and eviction protections. The forms/ declarations needed can be downloaded here. 
    • Question(s) about rental assistance and/or eviction protections? Send them via email: Housing@bcsh.ca.gov
  2. Housing is Key Telephone Assistance Line - You can call this number for more information about state's rental assistance program, landlord-tenant issues and information on Housing Is Key website. 
    • Phone: (833) 422-4255
    • Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Department of Real Estate (DRE) 
  1. DRE Telephone Call Center - You can call this number for questions about a DRE license, DRE licensing exam, how to hire a real estate agent, how to check the license of a real estate agent or on housing issues not involving rentals or leases.
    • Phone: 877-373-4542 (Note: Due to increased call volume, wait times can be excessive) 
    • Send your licensing-related questions to DRE via email: Ask.DRELicensing@dre.ca.gov. 
      • Please include the License or Exam Identification number (if known), full first and last name, a phone number where DRE can contact (if needed) and detailed information on how DRE can help you. 
    • Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.