Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman, Chair of the Housing and Homelessness Committee, have put forth a plea to the LA County Board of Supervisors to underscore the repercussions of bureaucratic expansion. Ahead of a vote that could see the establishment of a new county department for homeless services and overhaul the existing Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), these city leaders expressed concerns about potential setbacks in the fight against homelessness.
As chronicled in a letter published by the Mayor's office, the Mayor and Councilmember pointed to a 10% decline in street homelessness in LA City, which they say could be threatened by the proposed bureaucratic changes. Despite the strides made in recent years, the pair warns that dismantling LAHSA could severely undermine existing programs that offer comprehensive aid to those with complex needs. As they saved lives and restored neighborhoods with these initiatives, the proposed action could put the well-being of countless individuals in jeopardy.
Mayor Bass and Councilmember Raman emphasize the history of LAHSA, noting its creation after a series of lawsuits in the 1980s and 90s that accused the county of hindering unhoused Angelenos' access to services. "Instead of focusing on people, officials focus on infrastructure," they assert in the letter, cautioning against repeating historical errors with new bureaucratic structures. The letter underscores the necessity for an integrated approach that combines homeless services with housing, health, and social services to effectively counter the crisis. The plea underscores the city's stake in the matter, with 60% of the county's homeless population residing within its limits.
The Mayor and Councilmember advocate for the continued importance of cooperation between the City and County, specifically through the Executive Committee for Regional Homelessness Alignment. Tasked with driving collaboration and laying out measurable goals, this Committee is deemed essential for maintaining progress against homelessness. Clearly defined decision-making authority for LAHSA, they argue, is crucial for enhancing accountability and preventing redundancy.
Concluding their appeal, Bass and Raman focus on the endgame: assisting individuals off the streets permanently. They express a readiness to persist in their collaborative endeavours with the County. According to the letter, "We must go forward, not backwards," as they reiterate their dedication to advancing reforms that will ultimately culminate in the end of homelessness in the LA region.
