While the Neighborhood Council lauded Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Bonin for his recently approved Encampment to Home initiative, board members at their November 2 meeting approved a letter urging him to accept help from all corners of the city and beyond to deal with the homeless crisis.
“We ask Councilman Mike Bonin, to use any and every current employee within the City and County of Los Angeles to address the encampment situations in Westchester Park, in and along the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve and within five-hundred (500’) feet from schools,” read the letter approved unanimously by the board, adding that the NCWP urges the Councilman to, “restore residents’ wellbeing, safety and quality of life, and secure better accommodations, mental health treatment and life opportunities for the homeless.”
Last week, the Los Angeles City Council approved $1.1 million for an Encampment to Home program to house the homeless living in Westchester Park. The funds will help pay for hotel rooms for those who have been living in the park that features a popular children’s play area, tennis courts, a swimming pool and Bonin’s district headquarters.
There are about 70 people still living in tents and an additional 10 in cars, according to Haley Fuselier, senior director of Greater Los Angeles Programs for PATH (People Assisting The Homeless), the non-profit tasked with outreach at the park.
Bonin’s office said it will soon release a timeline for clearing the park and enforcing anti-camping ordinances.
The NCWP board said it appreciates the latest move, though some were skeptical things at the park would change fast enough, especially since the Councilman has repeatedly said he opposes any assistance from L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva.
The NCWP letter asked Bonin to take advantage of all available resources, “including help from the Los Angeles County Sheriff, to address this growing concern that impacts us all.”
“We are stronger and better together than when we are alone,” the letter read.