Torrance City Council approves Harbor Interfaith contract for temporary housing operations

Torrance City Council has taken significant steps to address homelessness in the community during its recent meeting on May 6, 2025. The council approved a consulting services agreement with Harbor Interfaith Services to continue operating the 3290 Temporary Housing Village for the upcoming fiscal year. This decision comes after a thorough request for proposals (RFP) process, where Harbor Interfaith Services was selected for its high score and relevant experience in managing similar facilities.

The council's approval also includes the acceptance of over $1.7 million in grant funding from various sources, which will fully support the program. This funding is crucial as it allows the city to maintain its efforts in providing temporary housing and wraparound services to those in need. Since the opening of the 3290 facility, the city has successfully housed 41 clients through its outreach initiatives, demonstrating the effectiveness of its homelessness response strategy.

In addition to the main housing initiative, the council discussed the importance of ongoing partnerships with organizations like the South Bay Council of Governments, which provide essential resources for transitioning residents from homelessness to permanent housing. The city manager and community development director highlighted the collaborative efforts that have been instrumental in shaping the city's approach to homelessness since 2016.

The meeting also included discussions on various consent calendar items, with one council member pulling item 8C for further clarification regarding the consulting services agreement. The council unanimously approved the remaining consent items, ensuring the smooth operation of city services.

As Torrance continues to tackle homelessness, the recent decisions made by the city council reflect a commitment to improving the lives of its residents and fostering a supportive community environment. The council encourages residents to stay informed about ongoing efforts through the city's dedicated homelessness dashboard.