PLATFORM : The Bottom Line

The nature of the homeless (problem) on the Westside is different than that on Skid Row. We have a lot of employable people. We also have a lot of people who are employed. But because of the housing costs, which are outrageous, they become homeless.

The latest estimate shows about 10,000 homeless (people) on the Westside.

We also get a number of people who come in from other sections because it’s nicer to be homeless on the Westside. It’s safer. The beaches are here. There’s a whole different mentality than there is on Skid Row, an yet there are very limited services, because, people don’t want to think that affluent areas or semi-affluent areas like the Westside have homeless problems.

I think people on the Westside are concerned about the homeless. (But) there’s also a concern about personal safety and about property values.

The solution to the problem is affordable housing. That’s the bottom line.