Los Angeles County’s Mapping Tool Illustrates Homeless/Housing Needs

Tuesday, Los Angeles County Chief Executive Officer Sachi A. Hamai’s office unveiled a mapping tool created to show the locations of the homeless population juxtaposed with the availability of existing and projected homeless housing resources. The presentation was a response to Supervisor Barger’s Oct. 29 request for a public discussion on the county’s efforts to secure housing.

“This mapping program is an effective tool that will allow our partners, including cities, community-based organizations, and residents, to visualize the concentration of homeless individuals compared to the availability of short and long-term housing resources,” Barger said. “We must know where the need is greatest and the data will enable us to make informed, transparent decisions about the allocation of resources.”

Subsequently, the Board unanimously approved Supervisor Barger’s motion, Urgent Housing Initiative for Those Experiencing Homelessness, on Nov. 26. That motion directed the CEO to develop a plan with concrete, measurable, and attainable housing solutions to tackle the homelessness crisis, ensure a streamlined and expedited approval process across county agencies, hire an expert from the private sector to spearhead the housing plan, develop a robust community outreach plan, and provide public status reports to the Board every other month. The next report will be on Feb. 4, 2020.

While this comprehensive housing plan is under development, the County will explore supportive housing models that address the root causes of homelessness. On Tuesday, Dec. 3, the Board of Supervisors approved a two-year pilot program to add 500 mental health beds countywide. The County will explore a similar pilot program to treat those suffering from Substance Use Disorder.

Click here to access the map.