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Source: NOEL CELIS / Getty

On Tuesday the Los Angeles City Council declared a state of emergency on homelessness, calling for $100 million to help address the expanding crisis. The office of Mayor Eric Garcetti reported the move in a statement which was announced the same day the mayor unveiled his plans for moving people off the streets.

Garcetti said “We all understand the urgency that this situation requires, and what is at stake. I applaud the Los Angeles City Council for their action today in earmarking a necessary initial investment that helps launch my comprehensive plan to tackle homelessness.”

According to figures released by the Los Angeles homeless Services Authority homelessness in Los Angeles has increased since the mayor took office two years ago, 12%. The state of emergency motion mentioned some of the reasons why, including a shortage of affordable housing and the lack of emergency shelter.

Los Angeles currently has one of the largest unsheltered populations in the country, and more than an estimated 25,000 homeless residents.  Council member Mike Bonin said “The proposal is more than just words. It calls for the fast-tracking of and a special, streamlined process for affordable housing. It also makes it easier for nonprofits and faith institutions to operate shelters and safe parking programs, and opens up the possibility for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority to use city facilities for the same purpose.”

According to the office of Mayor Garcetti, he’s calling for an additional annual $100 million to fund permanent housing for the homeless and to set up a foundation dedicated to the issue on top of the one-time $100 million funding proposed by the council.

Garcetti wants $13 million in emergency funding to grow homeless services and housing, most of which would be allocated in the form of subsidies.

 

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