Reduce Homelessness

Los Angeles County has the largest homelessness population of any city in the United States.  More than 88,000 men, women and children spend their days and evenings on our streets or in shelters.  In addition to the human toll, homelessness impacts neighborhood safety and costs taxpayers millions of dollars each year.

The Chamber has partnered with the United Way of Greater Los Angeles to create the L.A. Business Leaders Task Force on Homelessness.   The task force is studying best practices nationwide to learn about the most effective outreach and housing projects, and develop an action plan with measurable goals for reducing chronic homelessness in Los Angeles County.

The task force is especially focused on strategies to build more permanent supportive housing (PSH).  PSH provides chronically homeless individuals with long-term housing (i.e. apartment) along with health care and social services.  Not only does PSH help people live more stable lives, it saves taxpayers money by reducing the need for emergency care and public safety services. 

In June 2010, the task force visited the City of Denver which successfully launched a ten-year plan to end homelessness in 2005.  The Denver’s Road Home collaboration has reduced chronic homelessness in the city by more than 50 percent. 

Task force meetings, including site visits, are taking place almost every week.

Stay tuned for more information.   Or contact Public Policy Manager Beverly Kenworthy, 213.580.7531 or bkenworthy@lachamber.com.