Advocates Ask L.A. County To Alter Rules Keeping Welfare Benefits From Homeless Individuals With Mental Illnesses
Civil rights advocates have asked the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to alter rules that could keep homeless individuals with mental health issues from obtaining welfare benefits. In a 12-page report submitted to the board, attorneys with the Disability Rights Legal Center and other groups argue that the rules result in tens of thousands of homeless individuals losing or being denied monthly benefits worth $221. Gary Blasi, a civil rights lawyer, said the request to the board was an attempt to avoid litigation.
- "L.A. County Denies Aid to Mentally Ill Homeless People, Advocates Say" (Holland, "L.A. Now," Los Angeles Times, 10/20).