Los Angeles Sees Hopeful Signs That Homeless Efforts Are Yielding Results
The homelessness rate dipped slightly this year, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority reports, though the same number of people are still living on the streets. News outlets cover how the the public health crisis is impacting other parts of the state, including how homelessness will impact the 2018 elections, San Diego's outreach efforts, and safety issues in San Francisco.
Los Angeles Times:
Homelessness Dips In L.A. And Countywide, But More People Are Living On The Streets For The First Time
After three years of precipitous increases, homelessness dipped slightly this year, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority reported Thursday, providing a hopeful sign that new money flowing into housing and services is having an effect. But in releasing results of the 2018 count, officials also warned that the number of people falling into homelessness for the first time increased, holding back the potential gains. And the report noted that three out of four homeless people in the county live on the street, a figure unchanged from last year. (Smith, Holland and Smith, 5/31)
KPCC:
Veteran Homelessness In LA Has Dropped By 18 Percent
The latest homelessness figures are out from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority – and for veterans, there's some good news. There are now 18 percent fewer homeless vets – 3,910, down from 4,800 in 2017, an 18 percent drop. ...In its latest report, the county also cites the Los Angeles VA's new focus on outreach to chronically homeless veterans suffering from mental illness, disability or substance abuse, a population that saw a 20 percent increase in last year's count. (Denkmann, 5/31)
KQED:
Voters' Plea To S.F. Mayoral Candidates: 'Fix Homelessness'
Over the past few decades, San Francisco has spent billions of dollars to address homelessness. And yet many residents say the situation on the streets is worse than ever, with tents on sidewalks and people with serious mental illness roaming the streets. (Shafer, 5/31)
KPBS:
San Diego County Invests In Homeless Outreach To Reduce Emergency Room Costs
A pilot program is underway in San Diego County to bring health care and services to unhealthy homeless people who frequently use emergency rooms. The goal of Whole Person Wellness is to provide a path for healing while saving millions in Medi-Cal costs. (Murphy, 5/31)
KQED:
Creating A Safe Passage For Kids In San Francisco's Gritty Tenderloin
The Tenderloin is notorious for the homelessness on its streets and open drug use and sales. But it is also one of the few affordable neighborhoods left in one of the most expensive cities in the nation, and is home to hundreds of low-income and immigrant families. (Romero, 5/31)