Council approves CityNet contract to continue tiny‑homes program; members press county for stable funding

The Baldwin Park City Council on Sept. 17 approved a contract with CityNet to continue operations of the city’s tiny‑homes site (referred to in discussion as Serenity Homes). The motion to approve item 6 passed 5–0 (mover: Councilmember Estrada; second: Mayor Avila).

Councilmembers framed the contract as a necessary bridge for residents leaving homelessness and urged county partners to provide long‑term funding. “We have moved a lot of people into permanent housing,” Mayor Avila said during debate, and several councilmembers said the site had contributed to an “80%” drop in the city’s unhoused population over the past five years (comment attributed to council discussion during the item).

Councilmember Estrada said he was concerned that the program’s current year‑to‑year funding model does not provide long‑term sustainability and urged staff to convene with CityNet and the County of Los Angeles to secure multi‑year funding. “I would like for us to convene with CityNet and find out how we can make sure that we're not underutilizing that site,” Estrada said, noting at least one empty building at the Serenity site.

Mayor Pro Tem Damian and Mayor Avila said the city will press the county and other representatives for additional support, citing recent county initiatives and an announced homeless tax initiative that supplanted Measure H funding allocations.

The council approved the contract 5–0 and directed staff and councilmembers to pursue county and grant funding to sustain the program. No specific multi‑year funding guarantee was provided at the meeting; councilmembers asked staff to follow up with LA County and LAHSA about past commitments and future funding levels.

Ending: Staff will proceed under the approved CityNet contract and follow up with county partners and the city’s grant consultant to seek additional or more stable funding sources for the tiny‑homes program.