The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors threw its support behind the City of Los Angeles’ $1.2-billion bond measure to build housing for the homeless.
If approved by voters on November 8, Proposition HHH would finance the construction of 8,000 to 10,000 permanent supportive housing units for the chronically homeless over the next decade. It would also fund affordable housing, temporary shelters and other amenities needed by the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless.
“Let’s get on with the business of making a significant dent in homelessness,” Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas said. “We cannot afford to allow the status quo to persist – our fellow Angelenos are depending on us.”
Testifying before the Board, Mayor Eric Garcetti explained that Proposition HHH stands for homelessness, housing and hope. He added it goes hand in hand with the County’s own efforts to address the crisis of homelessness.
“A year ago, we didn’t have a strategy. A year ago, we weren’t working together. Today, it’s a very different picture,” the mayor said. “We’re now aligned in a comprehensive homelessness strategy to make sure that we can address the immediate needs of unsheltered residents.”
Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson said Proposition HHH would house women, children, veterans, seniors, foster youth and the disabled, among others. “Without this bond, we would be stuck at about 3,000 units of permanent supportive housing,” he said. “With Proposition HHH, we can more than triple that number.”
City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana said, “The plan addresses not just the immediate needs of the homeless, but the long-term needs.” He added a civilian oversight committee would be among those ensuring the funds would be spent appropriately.
Ruben Gonzales with the LA Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way’s Christine Margiotta also testified in support of the motion. Both represent key stakeholders in mobilizing the business sector and community organizations to support city and county efforts to address homelessness.
