Los Angeles is taking significant steps to address its homelessness crisis, which has been a persistent issue for decades.
Took them long enough, right?
The situation became more urgent after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that cities can ban camping in public spaces, empowering local leaders to take bolder action. With over 45,000 people experiencing homelessness in the city, according to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, the challenge remains monumental.
Dr. Coley King, who directs homeless health care at Venice Family Clinic, provides medical care to many individuals living on the streets, noting that many suffer from severe illnesses like schizophrenia and HIV. The urgency to address homelessness is clear, particularly in California, which houses nearly half of the country’s homeless population, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-v97ijQ-RE
Following the Supreme Court ruling, California Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized that cities now have the legal backing to clear homeless encampments and urged local governments to take swift action. While clearing encampments is a step, the reality of providing sustainable housing solutions is more complicated.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has taken a more comprehensive approach to the issue. Her “Inside Safe” program, launched in 2022, aims to move individuals from encampments into temporary shelters, with a long-term focus on permanent housing. The initiative has already moved more than 3,000 people indoors from over 60 encampments. Bass acknowledges that simply relocating homeless individuals from one street to another will not solve the problem. Instead, she is focusing on utilizing empty motels and city-owned properties to provide immediate housing options.
Under Bass’s leadership, the city has seen a 10% decrease in street homelessness. She admits that while progress is being made, the scale of the crisis means it will take time. “We’re dealing with massive numbers, so it is going to take a while,” she said, emphasizing that the trajectory is promising.
For Dr. King, the ability to keep homeless individuals connected to medical care is crucial. Moving them into stable environments would allow for more consistent treatment and prevent the loss of contact with vulnerable patients. King expressed hope, saying, “I have faith that here we’re already on that pathway to try to do this the right way.”
The city’s efforts represent incremental but meaningful progress in addressing homelessness. It’s a slow but determined approach to a crisis that has been building for decades. While there is no set date for when the problem will be fully resolved, city leaders remain committed to the long-term goal of reducing homelessness and restoring safety and dignity to those living on the streets.
Let’s see if California Democrats follow through on this or if they cave to accusations of…whatever discrimination against homeless people and drug-addicted criminals is called.
