A non-profit organization that received a significant $140 million in government funding to assist residents facing eviction is now under scrutiny for allegedly failing to deliver on its promises, leading to evictions.
CalMatters reported on December 12 that 306 residents faced eviction after The Homeless Outreach Program Integrated Care System (HOPICS) failed to provide the promised rent assistance.
HOPICS, which received $140 million over the past three years from city, county, state, and federal sources, is accused of contributing to homelessness by not providing adequate services to those in need.
Founded in 1992 by Mike Neely, a Vietnam War veteran who experienced homelessness, HOPICS aims to help individuals with housing, drug addiction, and crime challenges. The organization has reportedly acquired significant funding through its network.
For instance, the federal government recently allocated $100 million to L.A. County for homelessness, with $220 million to six cities within the county, including L.A. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, at that time, provided substantial funding to HOPICS, which claims to have helped over 3,100 homeless people.
As funding and program scale increased, HOPICS delegated resident verification to brokers, leading to rent payment delays. In response, HOPICS has taken measures to prevent future occurrences.
“This is a lot of money that has gone towards a program that can house many people. It’s not perfect in any way, shape, or form, and it’s evolving, and we’re learning as we go,” said HOPICS Deputy Director and former U.S. Rep. Katie Hill.
On December 12, city council members voted unanimously (12-0) to expand the eviction defense program. With the right to counsel program’s approval, the city government aims to assist up to 10,000 residents facing eviction.
Meanwhile, some non-profits using government funds for homelessness since the pandemic face criticism for non-transparent fund usage, raising concerns about potential taxpayer money wastage.
BY BRIAN CHOI, JUNHAN PARK [ichoi@koreadaily.com, park.junhan@koreadaily.com]
