County Supervisors Set $12.4M Aside to Fight Homelessness

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday to reallocate $12.4 million in unspent funding to fight homelessness, placing a priority on permanent supportive housing.

Chief Executive Officer William Fujioka stressed that the move amounted to "reprogramming" funds already committed to help the homeless.

"There is no new funding whatsoever," Fujioka said.

A detailed implementation plan and project budgets are due back in four months, but the board agreed to Fujioka's recommendations as laid out in report dated Oct. 30.

More than 85 percent of the money is expected to be spent getting single adults off the street and out of shelters, with teams reaching out to offer rent subsidies, support services like drug and mental illness treatment and temporary housing alternatives.

About $1 million is tagged for sourcing permanent housing for youths emancipated from foster care or the juvenile justice system, especially those with mental health or other challenges.

Another $250,000 has been set aside for 135 more shelter beds during winter months.

Supervisor Don Knabe anticipated another problem as temperatures drop and those who typically brave the streets reluctantly move indoors.

Noting the number of homeless encampments along the concrete channel of the Los Angeles River as it winds through downtown, Knabe warned about the trash that would be left behind.

Studio City residents have pointed out a growing population of homeless along the L.A. River in the San Fernando Valley as well.

"Once the homeless have left, the amount of refuse is absolutely staggering," Knabe said.

The board directed staffers to come up with an estimated cost to clean up the area.

- City News Service