"Across Los Angeles County, interim housing sites are struggling to fulfill a basic mission. On average, in recent years, of the people who exit interim housing, nearly 59% left for the streets or destinations unknown, according to data from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, almost double an agency target of no more than 30%."
"Ponce was evicted from a Boyle Heights tiny home village run by Volunteers of America Los Angeles, which has 1,300 interim beds across 14 sites in the county. The 41-year-old mother of four said she struggles with chronic seizures and uses meth, crack and PCP."
"Justin Szlasa, who sits on the LAHSA Commission oversight board, said the agency's exit numbers show 'we aren't doing something right' and LAHSA should rewrite contracts with providers so there's more emphasis on outcomes."
"'They should have given me a second chance,' Ponce said. 'I don't want to be on the streets.'"
Amanda Ponce's eviction from a Boyle Heights homeless housing site highlights issues within Los Angeles County's interim housing system. Many residents report being evicted for minor infractions, leading to a high percentage of individuals returning to the streets. Data shows that nearly 59% of those exiting interim housing end up homeless again, far exceeding the target of 30%. LAHSA's oversight board member Justin Szlasa calls for a major reset in the agency's approach to improve outcomes and contracts with service providers.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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