LOS ANGELES – Mayor Karen Bass, Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath and Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez today announced a new Inside Safe operation in Pacoima. Inside Safe is a citywide, voluntary, proactive housing-led strategy to bring people inside from tents and encampments, and to prevent encampments from returning. It is one feature in a comprehensive strategy to confront the homelessness crisis.
“We cannot and will not stop working to urgently bring people inside. The homelessness crisis demands this level of response,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “Thank you to Supervisor Horvath and Councilwoman Rodriguez for partnering with me to bring Inside Safe to Pacoima and to continue building out a regional approach so we can fully confront this crisis.”
“City-County partnership is bringing people inside across Los Angeles and the Third District, including Pacoima thanks to this week’s successful operation,” said L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “Through services and safe shelter, we are creating stable foundations from which people can rebuild their lives.”
”The challenges in addressing homelessness are not simple, particularly when encampments cross multiple jurisdictions. The collaboration with my office, LA County, the state, and Mayor Bass enabled the success of addressing the needs of those encamped at Ritchie Valens Park and surrounding areas. This effort resulted in the housing of over 50 individuals and has restored the safety of treasured community open space,” said Councilwoman Rodriguez. “I remain committed to pursuing innovative solutions and transparent initiatives that prioritize bringing people indoors. Our partnership with Inside Safe, in addition to our district efforts including Paxton and Bradley, Osborne Lot/210 FWY, and the CD7 RV Pilot Program, serve as models for result-driven homeless housing solutions.”
This is the 22nd Inside Safe encampment operation throughout Los Angeles. The initiative is responsible for bringing more than 1,300 Angelenos inside. Mayor Bass is moving Los Angeles forward with an urgent and strategic approach to confronting the homelessness crisis, which includes declaring a state of emergency, taking action to dramatically accelerate and lower the cost of building affordable and temporary housing, and moving to maximize the use of City-owned property for temporary and permanent housing.
Inside Safe supports the following five goals:
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Reduce the loss of life on our streets
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Increase access to mental health and substance abuse treatment for those living in encampments
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Eliminate street encampments
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Promote long-term housing stability for people experiencing homelessness
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Enhance the safety and hygiene of neighborhoods for all residents, businesses, and neighbors
Read the Inside Safe Executive Directive here.