UPDATE: In a significant move to combat homelessness, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced today the successful relocation of 80 individuals from a long-standing homeless encampment near the 405 Freeway into secure housing. This transition is part of the city’s innovative Inside Safe program, aimed at addressing urgent public health and safety concerns.
The encampment on Cotner Boulevard, which had persisted for nearly a decade, posed serious risks not only for the residents but also for the surrounding communities and businesses. The city’s dedicated outreach teams have worked tirelessly, spending days and weeks building trust with those living there before facilitating the move.
Mayor Bass emphasized the human-centric approach of the program, noting, “My top priority has been the safety of Angelenos, and bringing unhoused Angelenos inside to return to safety and dignity is a key part of that goal.” The impact of this initiative is already being felt, with many individuals on the streets actively seeking help, a phenomenon referred to as “walk-ups.”
With the area now cleared and cleaned, Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky expressed her gratitude for the efforts made by Mayor Bass and her team. “The encampment along Cotner Boulevard posed ongoing public safety and health challenges for those living there and for the surrounding community,” Yaroslavsky stated. She also committed to ongoing collaboration to ensure the area does not face repopulation.
This operation marks the 114th relocation by the Inside Safe program, contributing to the city’s efforts to secure housing for thousands of Angelenos. Mayor Bass highlighted that the program has led to a noticeable reduction in street homelessness over the past two years, confirming its effectiveness.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy that includes the creation of over 30,000 affordable housing units and an anti-eviction program, all aimed at preventing homelessness before it starts. Since declaring a state of emergency on homelessness on her first day in office, Bass has mobilized resources through initiatives like LA4LA, which focuses on building housing on city-owned land.
As the city continues to take decisive steps towards addressing homelessness, the Inside Safe program stands as a beacon of hope for those affected, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive the support they desperately need. The latest developments signal a promising shift in Los Angeles’ approach to homelessness, emphasizing compassion and community engagement.
Stay tuned for further updates as the city continues to implement strategies to enhance the well-being of all Angelenos.
