Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is highlighting new data that shows promising results from her “We Are L.A.” program – an initiative focused on preventing homelessness through proactive support and resource connection.
Speaking from South L.A.’s St. John’s Community Health Center, Bass shared findings from an independent study that indicates the program is having a real impact.
According to research conducted by Loyola Marymount University’s Center for Urban Resilience, nearly 75% of program participants reported improvements in their lives after receiving support through “We Are L.A.”
The program claims it has reached more than 40,000 Angelenos, offering services like Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, CalFresh and legal assistance to prevent evictions.
“This research shows that our innovative approach actually helps prevent people from becoming unhoused,” Bass said. “The key to the program is one-on-one personal support – working with a caseworker to connect people to what they need before they fall through the cracks.”
The mayor also noted a 10% drop in street homelessness across the city over the past year and highlighted that nearly 100 encampments have been cleared through her “Inside Safe” program. Additionally, permanent housing placements have nearly doubled compared to 2022.
Despite these gains, the mayor’s homelessness strategies remain under scrutiny. A recent forensic audit ordered by a federal judge revealed challenges in tracking $2.4 billion in homelessness spending across the city and LAHSA, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. The audit raised concerns about data collection and accountability, casting a shadow over City Hall’s efforts.
Statewide, Gov. Gavin Newsom has introduced a directive for stricter encampment rules and announced $3.3 billion in new funding from Proposition 1 to expand mental health and substance use treatment. Though Bass acknowledged tensions with the state, she expressed gratitude for recent support.
“I certainly share the governor’s frustration,” she said. “But our focus has been getting people off the streets and into housing – not just banning encampments.”
For the first time in six years, the mayor noted, homelessness in Los Angeles is on the decline – a hopeful sign in the city’s ongoing battle against the crisis.
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