The Del Rey Residents Association thanks Councilmember Mike Bonin and Donald Holt, Associate Director of Homeless Services with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), for speaking at our Fall General Meeting on Housing Affordability and Homelessness in Del Rey.
Councilmember Bonin began his remarks by thanking Del Rey for “saying yes” to projects that provide housing for formerly homeless individuals, and voting in favor of Measure HHH, the recently approved $1.2 billion bond measure to build 10,000 units of housing for the homeless.
Both Councilmember Bonin and Mr. Holt reminded attendees that law enforcement measures alone cannot solve the problems of homeless encampments and RV dwellers because homelessness is not a crime.
However, dumping waste, drinking in public, littering, excessive noise or violation of parking laws are enforceable. Residents are encouraged to download the MyLA 311 app, which makes it easy report these violations.
Mr. Holt informed attendees of LAHSA’s 72 outreach teams for Los Angeles County. Teams of two outreach workers visit the homeless, work to build trust and offer services. LAHSA also has HOPE teams comprised of 10 LAPD officers and four members of LAHSA’s Emergency Response Team.
Jenny Arevalo is LAHSA’s representative for this area. Her email is jarevalo@lahsa.org
DRRA thanks the Westside Neighborhood School for providing us with the meeting locale. We also thank the LAPD Pacific Division’s Explorer Cadets for providing the color guard and performing the flag ceremony.
Finally, thank you to all concerned citizens who attended the event and voiced opinions and concerns on this pressing issue.
