Agency Reopens Shelter After One-Day Lockout
The Volunteers of America readmitted residents to its Women and Couples Shelter on Skid Row in Los Angeles Tuesday, ending a one-day lockout that was part of an effort to shut down its operations.
According to an agreement between the nonprofit agency and the Inner City Law Center, representing about 20 residents who suddenly found themselves homeless on Monday, the residents will stay at the shelter at 611 E. 5th St. while VOA helps them find other housing. They also will receive financial assistance to relocate.
Before the VOA reopened the shelter, the agency was strongly criticized by Mayor Tom Bradley, whose staff on Monday had found emergency housing for the residents.
VOA Vice President Gerald McFadden called the situation a misunderstanding, and said, “We have always had a commitment to find comparable housing and provide some form of financial assistance” to the residents.
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