ARCADIA, Calif. — A new resource for people experiencing homeless in Arcadia is receiving mixed reviews from residents.
City leaders launched a Homeless Resource Hub in November thanks to a $150,000 grant to help the unhoused. The hub provides showers, laundry services, and food along with case managers who help connect people to housing.
Yet, many residents are concerned by its proximity to their homes.
Arcadia's homeless population has grown from just 12 to over 100 in the last five years.
Alan Fusco is now part of that group. He grew up in Arcadia and now lives in a trailer without water or power.
“I got fired from my job and didn’t have a place to live but I still have this camper on the side of this house where I’m at,” Fusco said. “I would use the 24 hour gym facility to take a shower and brush and floss my teeth.”
He can take a shower at the hub while it's open every Thursday from 9AM to 3PM. It’s just once a week, but it’s better than what he was doing before the hub opened.
“I was using the hose,” Fusco said. “But when the middle of October came around, I went like 10 days, 10 or 15 days without a shower. And then someone gave me a flyer to this place at the park. Oh man, thank God.”
During a virtual town hall, city officials explained the hub is intentionally located next to the Santa Anita Wash Trail where the homeless population is the largest.
Some residents have praised the city for its efforts, but others say it’s too close to home.
Homeowner Kerry Hake can see the hub from her front lawn and disagrees with its location.
“It’s not that we’re against the concept of it. We’re happy the city is trying to do something to help with the homeless problem,” Hake said “But it’s right in the middle of a neighborhood where families walk.”
Hake coaches the Arroyo High School girls cross country team. She says she’s concerned when they run near the homeless hub and next to tents. They’ve had people in the area before who seem to be mentally ill, and think more services are needed beyond what the hub is providing.
She’d like to see the hub moved to a more industrial location. She and other residents have signed a petition asking for the hub to be relocated or removed.
Meanwhile Fusco is just thankful it exists.
“Because of this place I still have a shower every Thursday because that’s the most important thing in my life is a shower,” Fusco said.
Grant money will keep the hub open until May 2021.