On May 16, the L.A. City Council voted unanimously to extend the state of emergency and allocate an additional $50 million. Simultaneously, the council called for more frequent reports on the progress of the “Inside Safe” program.
According to L.A. City Chief Administrative Officer Matthew Szabo’s report to the council, the “Inside Safe” initiative has successfully moved a total of 1,205 people off the streets and into housing, as well as cleared 15 homeless encampments in various neighborhoods, including Council Districts 2, 3 and 4. Additionally, 11 housing fairs have been held.
No encampments were removed in District 10, which includes Koreatown, and the city determined that large-scale dismantlement was not necessary in Districts 1, 7, and 10.
A total of approximately $12.8 million has been spent on providing 22,437 room nights of temporary housing for homeless individuals in 25 hotels and motels, according to Szabo’s report.
The City Council is scheduled to vote on the $250 million budget for the Inside Safe program for the upcoming fiscal year, beginning on July 1, on May 18.
Alongside development on city-owned properties, L.A. City Hall is reportedly exploring ways to expedite the creation of affordable housing on the city’s 3,000-plus properties.
Furthermore, a press release outlined major initiatives that the city will undertake in the next six to 18 months to address homelessness. Mayor Bass explained that in the short term, the city plans to collaborate with the state to create 500 units of housing. Over the next six months, the city aims to identify and secure public land for future development.
BY INSEONG CHOI [support@koreadaily.com]
