To the editor: The latest report about roughly 40% of individuals within the metropolis’s homelessness program returning to the streets raises critical considerations in regards to the effectiveness and accountability of Los Angeles’ $300-million housing initiative (“Underneath L.A. mayor’s $300-million homeless program, 40% have returned to the road,” April 5). Whereas the intention behind these applications is commendable, the outcomes recommend that one thing basic will not be working.
Taxpayers have invested closely in options that have been promised to cut back homelessness, but many residents are witnessing the alternative. Encampments persist and in some neighborhoods, they’re rising. On the similar time, low- and middle-income Angelenos — particularly working households — are struggling to maintain up with rising rents, usually with out significant help. This creates a way of imbalance that’s troublesome to disregard.
Offering housing with out ample long-term help companies could also be a part of the issue. Steady housing is not only a couple of roof — it requires psychological well being care, habit therapy, job coaching and constant follow-up. With out these, people are at excessive threat of falling again into homelessness, which seems to be occurring at an alarming fee.
Equally essential is equity. Many residents who work, pay taxes and observe the principles really feel ignored. They don’t qualify for subsidies but are more and more burdened by the excessive value of residing. When insurance policies seem to prioritize free housing for some whereas others battle to afford lease, public belief erodes.
Los Angeles wants a extra balanced and clear method — one which measures outcomes rigorously, prioritizes long-term stability over short-term placement and considers the wants of all residents. Compassion should be paired with accountability. In any other case, we threat spending extra whereas fixing much less.
Hua Gu, Calabasas
