Redondo Beach Hits a New Milestone in the Fight Against Homelessness

Redondo Beach celebrates a significant step forward: the city has achieved what’s known as “Functional Zero” in homelessness. Essentially, this means that for every person who finds themselves homeless, more people are being housed—keeping homelessness rates low and helping more people find safe, stable housing. The achievement was announced by the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) and set an inspiring example for nearby communities tackling similar challenges.

But what does “Functional Zero” actually mean? It’s a measure that shows Redondo Beach is getting people off the streets faster than new cases of homelessness appear, all while aiming to keep anyone’s experience with homelessness as brief as possible. The goal is to make homelessness rare and temporary rather than an ongoing struggle. Since 2017, Redondo Beach has been working hard to reach this point, building a network of resources and partnerships that include everyone from local officials to county and state leaders.

Some of the city’s most creative programs have been a big part of this progress. For example, Redondo Beach’s “Homeless Court” offers people a chance to clear their records by completing supportive programs instead of facing traditional legal penalties. The city has also created several types of temporary housing, including a small community of pallet shelters and Project Moonstone, a former hotel transformed into housing. These programs give people not only a roof over their heads but also access to services that help with everything from mental health to job training.

Of course, this success didn’t happen in isolation. Redondo Beach’s partnerships with county officials, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, and LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn helped make the programs a reality. The city also tapped into Measure H funds and state resources, using them to offer emergency shelter beds and support programs focused on getting people back on their feet.

With this major milestone, Redondo Beach shows what’s possible when communities come together. Neighboring cities like Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Torrance are already preparing to follow suit, working with SBCCOG to adopt similar strategies. Each step forward brings us closer to a future where everyone has the stability and support they need.

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