Building on its regional approach to tackling homelessness, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved $9 million in Measure H funding to bolster the work of cities in implementing city-specific plans to combat and prevent homelessness. This is a significant next step in strengthening the collaboration between the County and cities in the region, which are united in their commitment to address this complex humanitarian crisis. The Board also approved a request for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority to use $3 million of State Homeless Emergency Aid Program funds to support the implementation of Cities’ Homelessness Plans.
This new funding allocation aligns with the County’s partnership with cities to develop innovative solutions to homelessness at the local level. In November 2017, cities were awarded planning grants to develop city-specific plans to prevent and combat homelessness, through an initiative created by L.A. County and United Way of Greater Los Angeles’ Home for Good Funders Collaborative and financed by an allocation of more than $2 million from the County Board of Supervisors. 40 cities have submitted plans, illustrating an enthusiastic response from stakeholders across the region. (View the Cities’ Homelessness Plans at https://bit.ly/2PCBPG3).
“Ensuring every woman, man, and child has a safe roof over their heads is a top priority. However, ending homelessness requires a collaborative effort, and we need regional thought leaders to come up with viable solutions,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “With today’s vote, the County of Los Angeles reiterates our willingness to partner with local governments to help families who need our assistance. We must leverage all of our resources if we expect to effectively solve our regional homelessness crisis.”
“Today’s Board action to share Measure H funds with cities countywide showcases the community collaboration that is a hallmark of L.A. County’s Homeless Initiative,” Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas said. “Together with the hardworking nonprofits that are providing outreach and supportive services to our most vulnerable neighbors, this is an opportunity to strengthen and add value to our communities.”
“We have always said that the County can’t solve the homelessness crisis on our own,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “Every city and every neighborhood needs to get involved and do their fair share to help our homeless neighbors. These City Homelessness Plans are a great pathway forward and I am encouraged by how many cities are ready and willing to be part of the solution.”
“Cities have an important role and a unique perspective on the solutions to homelessness, and the County values each city’s distinct resources, challenges and perspectives,” said Phil Ansell, Director of the County Homeless Initiative. “This funding is another meaningful opportunity for cities to join this dynamic countywide movement and help individuals and families move from homelessness to housing.”
The funds will be released to cities through an RFP solicitation process, in conjunction with the Funders Collaborative. The RFP will provide funding to help cities increase the supply of supportive and interim housing for people experiencing homelessness and enhance the effectiveness of County service systems for those experiencing and/or at-risk of homelessness. The RFP is slated for release this month.