Record Shows L.A. Isn’t Mean to the Homeless
The National Coalition for the Homeless unfairly ranked Los Angeles as the “fourth-meanest city” for the homeless (Aug. 6). The past year has, in fact, been a historic watershed for homeless services in Los Angeles. Ten elected officials have formally launched a 10-year plan to end homelessness.
Local discretionary funding for homeless services almost doubled. City officials expanded a temporary winter program to a year-round emergency program, adding 860 much-needed beds throughout the city. Not only does this program offer homeless people shelter, but it engages them with the larger continuum of care, with the ultimate goal of placement into permanent housing. Lastly, while an anti-camping ordinance was introduced, it has not been passed by the City Council. Many understand that such a policy cannot be enforced unless adequate shelter facilities are available.
Mitchell Netburn
Executive Director
Los Angeles Homeless
Services Authority
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