West Hollywood, California (April 8, 2010) - At a recent Neighborhood Watch meeting, the homeless issue was a major concern to residents. So, I thought it might helpful to let you know what West Hollywood does, on a regular basis, to address this issue and offer those who are down on their luck, assistance. 
Council member Jeffrey Prang, West Hollywood, California. Photo by WeHo News. |
Of course, it is not a crime to be homeless, and there is no law against the homeless handing out in the neighborhood. You may have experienced panhandling, some as being slightly more aggressive in asking for handouts, a direct result of the poor economy.
The fewer the handouts, the more aggressive the approach. It only stands to reason. However, very aggressive behavior should be reported to the West Hollywood Sheriff's Station. Deputies will intervene. And your report will allow us to better track trends in aggression.
Every city walks a fine line in dealing with these issues, as no city wants to be labeled as one that harasses the unfortunate rather than attempting to assist them. Unfortunately, not all homeless want help; many living with serious mental illness.
I have worked with social service professionals and relief organizations at length to study how to best combat homelessness in West Hollywood, a national problem, which continues to impact our state and our region disproportionately.
Based on these conversations, the City approaches this problem comprehensively, balancing law enforcement with enhanced provision of human services in cooperation with local and regional partners.
Additionally, the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department has organized a community outreach team to address homelessness-related problems specifically in West Hollywood.
Photo by WeHo News. |
Working hand-in-hand with residents, businesses and homeless service providers, the Sheriff’s Department and the City of West Hollywood continue to ensure that our community is safe and accessible.
It is my experience that many objectionable community impacts related to homelessness are best resolved through a coordinated effort. The City of West Hollywood’s Homeless Collaborative, PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) and the Westside Council of Governments continue to work to improve programs that move homeless individuals into permanent housing with long-term training to keep individuals from living on the streets.
The City of West Hollywood actually contracts with PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) to provide social services to people who are homeless in our community (a significant financial investment).
The PATH Outreach Team hits the streets in West Hollywood 2-3 days a week, every week, engaging people who are homeless in conversation and offering shelter and transportation to PATH’s Regional Homeless Shelter (RHC), where they can not only get shelter, but showers, hot meals, clothing, and a host of social services.
This process, however, can take months of outreach before a homeless person wants or feels comfortable enough to accept the offer of assistance. But our outreach team doesn't give up, and they, and our Sheriffs are on a first name basis with most of them.
Photo by WeHo News. |
In addition to providing emergency and transitional housing, The Mall at PATH’s RHC also has The Clare Foundation Substance Abuse Prevention Center, Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), The Employment Development Department (EDD), Gateways Mental Health Center, Homeless Veteran’s Services, IMCES Domestic Violence and Crisis Counseling Center, LAUSD Learning Center, The Los Angeles County Office of Education, PATHFinders Job Center, PATH Health Clinic, Homeless Court, Personal Care Center, Salvation Army Family Services and Traveler’s Aid Society.
The City of West Hollywood and the Sheriff's Department also conduct a homeless survey each year in our city. Last year's count was down by close to 50% from the previous year.
The questions asked by our Outreach Team for that survey is: where did you sleep last night, where will be sleep tonight, and where do you plan to sleep tomorrow. Of those surveyed only 59 said, "West Hollywood."
Our Sheriff's Deputies are on a first name basis with most of the homeless in our City. The number of homeless may have risen recently, however, the perception at certain times of day may be larger due to various outreach organizations who provide meals or meal tickets during the day, like St. Victor's Catholic Church, who give out a couple hundred meal tickets each day for McDonald's, but the majority of these leave the City shortly thereafter.
”St. Victor's Catholic Church gives out a couple hundred meal tickets each day for McDonald's.” Photo by WeHo News. |
The generosity of our community with handouts may discourage the some homeless from seeking more long-term assistance.
The City of West Hollywood has developed a handout card which has been duplicated by many other cities, they list the various local services available to them to get help.
I will suggest a supply of these handout cards are available at future Neighborhood Watch meetings. Handing these out to the homeless you encounter instead of a change could help make a difference. Our outreach team, as well as the Sheriffs, all hand out these cards out constantly.
I urge you and your neighbors to remain involved in the process by providing your observations and feedback as we work to combat this national problem.
For more information about PATH, go to www.epath.org or the City’s website at www.weho.org.
This essay is not paid for at City expense and reflects only the views and opinions of Council member Jeffrey Prang and not necessarily the views of the City Council, nor does it necessarily reflect the official position of the City of West Hollywood.This essay originally appeared in Mr. Prang’s newsletter.
To sign up to receive Mr. Prang’s newsletter, send an E mail requesting to be added to it to Council member Prang’s deputy, Mike Haibach at MHaibach@weho.org.
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