To the editor: Columnist LZ Granderson rightfully says that eradicating encampments and getting individuals shelter are essential to bolstering our downtowns (“Pushing extra Individuals into homelessness isn’t any method to revitalize downtowns,” Could 24). Nonetheless, the present charge of getting individuals out of shelters and into properties is dismal as a result of there’s a lack of inexpensive housing.
In my function as vice chair of the Buena Park Navigation Middle Oversight Fee, I see that lower than 15% of shoppers depart to go to steady housing despite intensive housing navigation assist. The fortunate few who’re capable of receive housing are within the middle for greater than a yr, a spot designed for short-term stays.
We want extra artistic methods to make sure that secure locations to name house can be found for everybody. We have to construct extra housing and, whereas ready 5 to 10 years for it to be constructed, we’d like artistic options comparable to single-room occupancy areas, tiny properties and shared-housing fashions. We additionally want extra packages to stop individuals from falling into homelessness within the first place, comparable to rental help, utility help, authorized illustration at eviction courts and assist when a disaster hits and individuals are residing examine to examine. Our state, county and metropolis budgets and insurance policies can assist these methods.
Barry Ross, Santa Ana
..
To the editor: It’s actually disappointing to see a Los Angeles Instances opinion author say that officers shouldn’t be targeted on “providing tax breaks to would-be builders” for constructing locations for the homeless in downtowns. It exhibits that individuals don’t have a fundamental understanding of why others are homeless. We now have a skyrocketing homeless inhabitants as a result of we don’t have sufficient locations for individuals to dwell.
Altering the foundations to construct extra properties is the very best factor that politicians might do to assist the homeless. Positive, the homeless won’t transfer into all these new shiny downtown towers, however having individuals residing in these new towers would release extra housing for the individuals who want it probably the most.
Or we will simply hold blocking new housing and the wealthy will take the housing the poorer inhabitants at present has and the variety of homeless individuals in downtowns will enhance.
Josh Albrektson, South Pasadena
