City Council Approves Raman's Motion To Improve Homeless Outreach

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA — City Council Tuesday unanimously passed a motion that aims to improve the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority's outreach program. The motion will add 15 outreach teams to LAHSA's current 200 teams, which work to connect unhoused Angelenos to housing and services.

Council members Nithya Raman, Paul Krekorian and Curren Price introduced the motion.

"It is imperative that all interactions performed by LAHSA, service providers, county and city staff be integrated and coordinated with the new outreach engagement teams, as we work to place individuals into the 6,700 new beds coming online throughout the city, so that we create a more seamless transition process for homeless individuals and ensure that they have their best chance of success," the motion stated.

The plan aims to address gaps in current outreach efforts, such as the lack of direct communication between outreach workers and the County Department of Mental Health for people who need extra support. Developing stronger relationships with unhoused people, timelines for homeless people to transition to necessary interventions, and increased attention to people's special needs to avoid service delays are also built into the plan.

"Our neighbors are forced to live on the street in unsafe and unhealthy conditions. Offering these individuals a pathway into housing and into a better life is of critical importance," the council members wrote.

Recently, Councilman Mike Bonin proposed to add "tiny homes" and safe camping sites in beachfront communities like Pacific Palisades and Marina Del Rey.

"We have opened safe parking, safe camping, and emergency shelters," Bonin said. "And there is more supportive housing on the way. But it is not enough. Across the state, the city and the district, homelessness is increasing."