The Homeless Crisis in Los Angeles

Every year around this time, Los Angeles declares a state of emergency for the homeless. Our region’s generally benevolent climate attracts people from other parts, especially during the winter. This time around, the problems of the dispossessed will only get worse due to severe rain expected to be brought by El Niño. The question remains if the city is prepared to protect them.

The latest census on the homeless population in the city and county of Los Angeles – conducted in May – counted 44,359 people, an increase of 12% compared to 2013.

The challenge posed by the growing homeless population gets worse as the number of temporary shelters decreases due to a change in strategy made by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD.) The new model seeks to encourage people to find permanent housing, and people are generally required to sober, employed and enroll in classes in order to qualify. This means that there is less federal funding available for temporary shelters, likely the most sorely needed during the bad weather.

Today, the City of Los Angeles is looking to find $100 million in to really tackle the situation of the homeless, and is currently considering creating parking areas for people who live in their cars. It was shameful to see that $100 million allocated to the homeless in the past were used to have the Police watch them.

The variety of reasons that may lead a person to homelessness is very broad. That is why the issue is so complex. This requires a multiple focus that ranges from addiction, disease, unemployment and personal crises, among others. It is estimated that, in order to attack the problem in Los Angeles, at least one billion dollars are needed. As an example, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio recently unveiled a housing and services plan of nearly $3 billion.

We hope that the City and the County will coordinate the resources to protect the most vulnerable this winter.