Rep. Barragán Celebrates $1,000,000 in Federal Funding for Long Beach City College Student Housing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2 December 2024

Contact: Kevin McGuire, 202-538-2386 (mobile)

[email protected]

LONG BEACH, CA - Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) celebrated $1,000,000 in federal funding she secured for Long Beach City College (LBCC) to build the North Long Beach Student Housing and Higher Education Complex.

The funding will support the development of a mixed-use complex with affordable student housing, a large multipurpose community room, study rooms, shared kitchens, and support services on site. Housing will be available to low-income LBCC students at an affordable rent and open to students with dependents.

"Low-income college students often worry about balancing the cost of tuition, housing, and other essential needs," said Rep. Barragán. "I was proud to secure this funding so Long Beach City College students, including those with children, can access affordable housing while they pursue their higher education. By building this complex in North Long Beach, educational resources and other services will be more accessible to students who do not live near campus."

"We are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Barragán for securing this vital $1 million Department of Housing and Urban Development funding," said Dr. Mike Muñoz, LBCC Superintendent-President. "In a Spring 2024 survey, nearly 750 LBCC students self-identified that they were at-risk or experiencing homelessness, with 169 students without a home. This funding is more than just money-it's about changing lives. Our vision of creating a North Long Beach housing complex is now one step closer to becoming a reality, moving us toward reducing housing instability and creating a safe, supportive environment where our students can thrive both in and out of the classroom."

"Thanks to Congresswoman Barragán, LBCC can continue to expand upon our physical presence in North Long Beach," said Vivian Malauulu, LBCC Board of Trustees President. "Our students will be a short walk from the new housing facility to a variety of classes taught at the North Long Beach Higher Education Center. This important initiative not only addresses the critical housing needs of our students, but it also alleviates the heavy mental stress they experience due to housing insecurity. We are proud to meet our students where they are and connect them with valuable resources right in their community."

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Congressmember Nanette Barragán represents California's 44^th District. She sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and works on environmental justice and healthcare issues. She is also Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC).