In 2022, more than 170,000 Californians experienced homelessness, according to recent federal data. The state accounted for 30% of the country’s unhoused population. The issue is a top priority for many state and local leaders, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, whose first action was to declare a state of emergency on homelessness.
On the first night of the annual Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, Bass stated, “The only way we’re really going to get a handle on this crisis is if we all have skin in the game.”
On this week’s “In Focus SoCal,” host Tanya McRae meets Gregg Sherkin, a longtime volunteer at the annual count. He is also currently the board chair of LA Family Housing in North Hollywood.
“When I come across somebody living on the street, I just want them to feel like I recognize them and I see them because they’re really no different than you and me,” said Sherkin, a resident of North Hollywood.
The Los Angeles Housing Services Authority, which conducts the annual count, unveiled new technology this year to streamline the process, including a new app.
“As our volunteers are out in the field, we can actually see in real time the counts that are coming in, based on some geolocation technology that we’re using to collect the point-in-time information,” said Emily Vaughn Henry, deputy chief information officer of LAHSA.
Bass’ “Inside Safe” initiative has been rolling out in various neighborhoods across LA. The goal is to get unhoused individuals off the streets and into temporary housing in motels. Spectrum News 1’s Chace Beech updates “In Focus SoCal” with how the process has been going in Venice, which has seen a long-standing homeless encampment.
LA City Councilwoman Heather Hutt, who represents the 10th District, also plans to bring the “Inside Safe” initiative to her community. She voted to pass legislation to allocate $50 million for the initiative. Hutt sat down with McRae to talk about other efforts her office is making to help the unhoused population, including bridge housing.
“When you’re able to talk to somebody and convince them that we have a good place for you, it really lets us know that the work can be done,” said Hutt.
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