Addressing Homelessness in Los Angeles: Challenges and Hopes

In 2005, I met a violinist near Pershing Square who lived on Skid Row. Since then, I’ve closely followed the promises made by Los Angeles mayors regarding homelessness. They all pledged to fix the issue. Mayors Antonio Villaraigosa, Eric Garcetti, and Karen Bass have invested significantly in efforts to combat homelessness.

Despite some successes, none reached the core of the problem. Though thousands received help, the issue persists, with over 40,000 homeless in the city. Now, Mayor-elect Nithya Raman promises to tackle this challenge. While city-wide homelessness increased, her council district saw a decline. Bass is stepping down, making way for Raman after a contentious campaign.

Raman criticized Bass’s strategy as costly and ineffective. She vowed to reduce homelessness by half before the Olympics and bring everyone indoors by the end of her first term. I remain hopeful, yet cautious, about these ambitious goals.

Previously, Villaraigosa and Garcetti made similar pledges. In 2006, a plan aimed to end homelessness in a decade. In 2013, Garcetti promised to end chronic homelessness, followed by another commitment in 2018. In 2023, Bass expressed hopes to end street homelessness during her term.

These repeated promises often fall short. The problem stems from complex issues beyond any mayor’s control, including housing costs, untreated mental illness, and addiction. Addressing these requires collaboration with federal, state, and county allies.

The returns on investments have disappointed. Bass’s Inside Safe program moved thousands into temporary housing but at a high cost, with many returning to the streets. Raman wants to retire this program, favoring short-term rental vouchers. She also plans audits on spending and a full accounting of county services.

Implementing her plans will require overcoming challenges at City Hall and gaining council support. However, Raman has shown resilience, overcoming political odds to gain her seat.

She has a background in urban planning and co-founded the SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition. This experience provides her with valuable insights. Louis Abramson, chair of the SELAH board, believes her awareness will aid her efforts. Abramson also hopes Raman will promote affordable housing.

In Raman’s district, building relationships has been crucial. Recovery is not straightforward; it requires time and effort. Overcoming homelessness involves more than finding a place to live. Long-term case management and a sense of community are vital.

Chrysalis, a success story, showcases people transitioning from homelessness to employment and housing. Encouraging volunteer work can play a part. My acquaintance, Nathaniel, took a year to move indoors with support from me and others. He now enjoys music at a nursing home, valuing the connection to his past.

Abramson stresses that relationships are fundamental to solving homelessness. Viewing people beyond statistics can foster community involvement. For Los Angeles’ homeless, let’s hope the new mayor can make a positive impact.