KCRW Press Play: More than 27,000 people are homeless in Los Angeles. The problem is getting worse. In a special live event, Madeleine Brand looks at how we got here, what at-risk people are doing to keep off the streets, and what big ideas exist to effectively tackle the crisis.
KCRW: The Los Angeles City Council is weighing two separate measures to fund solutions to homelessness. One likely applicant for those funds will be the nonprofit developer Skid Row Housing Trust, which has built supportive housing by some of LA’s leading architects. Can good architecture and planning help re-integrate the formerly homeless back into society?
Skid Row Housing Trust’s Director of Resident Programs Joey Aguilar was interviewed by KPCC’s Take Two yesterday, sharing tips and resources for when you encounter someone in the midst of a mental health crisis. If you are concerned about a neighbor living on the street in Los Angeles’ Skid Row, on weekdays you can contact a multidisciplinary street outreach team, which includes a nurse, a mental health specialist, and a substance abuse counselor, at 213-680-6333. Organized by the LA County Department of Health Services Housing for Health Division, these outreach teams connect individuals who are experiencing homelessness in Skid Row to services and housing. They have placed 150 individuals in permanent supportive housing since January.
To help those who are struggling with homelessness and mental illness in the long-term, support evidence-based programs that provide housing and support. Skid Row Housing Trust is committed to building housing and health resources that result in better neighborhoods where everyone has a safe place to call home.
KCRW: Who lives on Skid Row—on and off the streets? KCRW’s Lisa Napoli brings us this portrait from the heart of the neighborhood: San Pedro Street. In this portrait, Lisa finds out how one man got off the streets—and what challenges remain.
KPCC: Los Angles Mayor Eric Garcetti on Thursday promised he would release a plan in August that would be a blueprint to end homelessness in Los Angeles.
