In Los Angeles, efforts to combat the city's homelessness problem are seeing positive results with an expansion of eviction prevention services. Mayor Karen Bass and Mayor’s Fund CEO Conway Collis recently celebrated the opening of the We Are LA Crenshaw casework office — a new resource aimed at aiding those at risk of losing their homes. According to an announcement from Bass' office, in just two months, the program has reached over 1,000 Angelenos, which has coincided with a decrease in homelessness for a second straight year.
Mayor Bass emphasized that “Preventing people from falling into homelessness is key to our efforts in addressing this humanitarian crisis,” as reported by her office. The success of the program so far seems to justify its continuation, with the Mayor stating that this downward trend in homelessness must be sustained. The We Are LA initiative provides personalized support for individuals and families, from completing applications to navigating legal complexities. Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson expressed his support, celebrating the launch in the Crenshaw District as a beacon of hope for residents looking to maintain stability.
The dedicated office on Crenshaw Blvd offers a suite of services to those facing the threat of eviction, cornerstones of the comprehensive homelessness plan put forth by Mayor Bass and her team. Conway Collis mentioned in the office's statement that the caseworkers are "available to help in person or on the phone seven days a week," assuring residents that they aren't alone during such stressful times. Services include handling eviction notices, referrals for legal representation, and help applying for various benefits and assistance programs.
The personal impact of these services is evident in the testimonies of two clients, Serene Nunez and Trenely Garcia. "They didn’t just help me survive; they helped me navigate. They walked me through every step — the paperwork, the deadlines, the confusing legal language — and they did it with such care that I knew I wasn’t walking through this alone," Nunez told the Mayor’s office. Garcia's relief is equally palpable, as the Mayor's Fund We Are LA program provided her with the support needed to negotiate with her landlord and remain in her beloved city. She commemorated the program's impact through a mural, echoing the sentiment that the program goes beyond just legal aid — it's a support system akin to a family.
Research from Loyola Marymount University backs up the effectiveness of the We Are LA program, highlighting its role in keeping over 105,000 Angelenos in their homes. As the city grapples with its affordability crisis, this initiative stands out as an essential lifeline for residents facing one of life’s toughest challenges, the loss of one’s home.
