Multiple Los Angeles County agencies began clearing a large homeless encampment near Gardena on Wednesday morning, not only getting rid of debris but offering the residents alternative living options and health services.
The effort is being led by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homeless Outreach Services Team and looks to address encampments that pose public health and safety risks.
“The effort will involve removing trash, debris, and RVs obstructing sidewalks and roads,” LASD said in a media release.
Not only will the initiative clean up part of Compton Boulevard in West Rancho Dominguez, but the people experiencing homelessness there will have the opportunity to get the help they need.
“The goal is to transition individuals from homelessness into safe, permanent housing in order to enhance public safety and improve the quality of life for both unhoused individuals and the surrounding communities affected by RV encampments,” the LASD release continues. “Individuals experiencing homelessness will be offered housing and support services, with transport provided by social workers.”
On Wednesday morning, KTLA spoke with L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna, who was one of many law enforcement officials present at the cleanup. He explained that the encampment had generated “significant complaints” for over a year, prompting officials to step in.
“Businesses and community members have not only gone to our department, but [2nd District Supervisor Holly] Mitchell’s office, who we’ve been working hand-in-hand with,” Sheriff Luna told KTLA 5’s Omar Lewis. “When we are dealing with challenges like this, which is a very difficult challenge, our deputies come in and ask [if people need] services first [because] we want to make sure everybody is safe.”
“The next thing we do is offer people services,” the sheriff continued. “We try to get them housing, medical and mental health care to get them back on their feet…this has been going on for months, so what you’re seeing today is the culmination of all the hard work [that took place] for about a year.”
The sheriff also noted that Wednesday morning’s cleanup was “not a surprise to anybody” and that the RVs would be towed. More importantly, though, he said that the initiative was about giving the neighborhood “back to the neighborhood.”
“We’re hoping [the encampment] doesn’t come back, but we’ll keep a very close eye on it,” he said.
The West Rancho Dominguez operation is expected to take approximately three days, according to officials. Sheriff Luna stated that agencies will continue to conduct cleanup operations like this one at encampments throughout the county to improve the lives of all.
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