WPBN: In a recent operation, 68 homeless people were taken out of an encampment in South Los Angeles by county officials.
The Pathway Home program in L.A. County spearheaded the initiative, which was carried out from November 20–22 with assistance from the county’s fire and sheriff departments as well as other local organizations.
The extensive operation targeted an unorganized section of the Florence-Firestone neighborhood where homeless people resided in deteriorating RVs, tents, and improvised buildings.
County officials claim that the homelessness epidemic disproportionately impacts the community.
With their cooperation, crews were able to relocate 68 homeless people from the region to temporary indoor accommodation. Additionally, 28 hazardous or unusable RVs were removed by workers.
Public access to the area was restored once any remaining items, trash, rubble, and furniture were removed from the sidewalks and roadways.
“Helping over 65 individuals begin their journey to stable housing is a direct result of a shared focus on the essential outreach, services, and housing each person needs,” Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell stated. “Together, we must continue to urgently partner on what we know works to end homelessness: services and housing.”
“Pathway Home is a clear example of how collaborative efforts can provide real solutions to homelessness without resorting to criminalization,” John Maceri, CEO of The People Concern stated. “By working together with LA County and our partners, we can offer housing and supportive services that address the root causes of homelessness. This compassionate approach helps individuals transition from the streets to permanent housing.”
This is Pathway Home’s 26th encampment eradication operation in South L.A. Almost 600 RVs have been removed from the road and more than 900 homeless persons have been placed in temporary accommodation overall.
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Several organizations provided assistance with the Palmdale operations, including:
- The People Concern (TPC), a nonprofit organization
- L.A. County Department of Mental Health
- Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)
- L.A. County Sheriff’s Department and Homeless Outreach Services Team
- L.A. County Department of Public Works
- L.A. County Fire Department
Here is more information on Pathway Home.
