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SAN DIEGO (CBSLA) — From fed up residents to homeless encampments lining the streets, the homelessness crisis across the state continues to grow, but Gov. Gavin Newsom now believes he has a plan that will get thousands of people off the streets with the help of $12 billion.

“What we’re doing here today is multiples of what any state in American history has committed to address the crisis of homelessness straight on,” he said during a stop in San Diego County.

The plan will expand Project Homekey, which includes $7 billion to buy existing hotels and motels that will provide 46,000 units — each costing about $150,000.

Los Angeles has been spending three times that building new housing for the homeless, but they take years to open. Homekey takes only months before people can move in.

“When we find an innovative solution that helps the owner of a hotel, and the people who are staying, and the community that surrounds the hotel, that’s a win-win and I think that’s what Homekey offers,” Va Lecia Adams Kellum, who helps run St. Joseph Center in Venice, said.

The center was able to house around 500 of the most vulnerable residents thanks to a similar state-run program during the pandemic.

“It’s gonna be so important, you know, to maybe start to see some real progress,” Adams Kellum said.

The plan was also applauded by Los Angeles City councilmen Mark Ridley-Thomas and Kevin de Leon.
The plan “will mean the difference between having a home and sleeping on the street for thousands of Angelenos,” de Leon said.

However, Republicans Kevin Faulconer, the former mayor of San Diego, and John Cox, who are both challenging Newsom in the upcoming recall election were both less than impressed.

“Homelessness has skyrocketed by 10,000 people since Gavin Newsom took office,” Faulconer said. “No amount of money will solve this crisis without a leader who has the political will to buck the status quo and take bold actions to get people off the streets and indoors to receive the help they need.”

But residents in Venice, who say they have dealt with growing encampments, violence and fires, have mixed feelings on how, or even if, the program will work.

“I think if you’re using dilapidated buildings and the owners want to do that and it’s far enough way from a school and residents, I mean, it seems like a viable option,” one woman said.

The money is a mix of federal dollars and a surplus in the state’s budget.

“This is an order of magnitude investment into transforming the homeless crisis in the state of California, to one of America’s most enlivening stories with the support and examples of people who are demonstrable proof that homelessness can end in our society,” Newsom said.

(Source KCPP.com) L.A. City Councilmembers are hopeful this change may mean added support for Project Roomkey, the state and county initiative to secure hotel rooms for people experiencing homelessness. Earlier this week, Councilmember Mike Bonin introduced a motion for the city to explore expansion options to Project Roomkey.

We discuss what this change in federal funding means for homelessness initiatives in L.A. Plus, how has Project Roomkey been doing? Is its expansion the best way to move forward?

We reached out to Los Angeles City Councilmembers Nithya Raman and Mike Bonin, who introduced the motion, as well as Los Angeles Homeless Services Executive Director Heidi Marston, but none were available to join us at the time of our discussion.

GUESTS:
Ben Oreskes, metro reporter for the L.A. Times where he covers homelessness and housing; his recent piece is “‘Manna from heaven’: L.A. officials say Biden funding could get thousands of homeless off streets”

Va Lecia Adams Kellum, president and CEO of St. Joseph Center which works with working poor families, and homeless men, women and children; they are based in Venice and service L.A. County

To hear the full airtalk go to https://www.scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2021/01/28/66460/biden-s-federal-funding-changes-may-mean-more-mone/

(Office of Mayor Garcetti Facebook Live)Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Mayor Eric Garcetti for the groundbreaking of a new Prop-HHH permanent supportive housing project for formerly homeless seniors and Angelenos with disabilities in South L.A.

(Source: VICE News) The CA Project Roomkey program to shelter thousands of at-risk homeless in empty hotels during the pandemic received more funding from FEMA. CEO Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum shares insights on opening the first Project Roomkey hotel in LA and our commitment to moving forward.

SOUTH LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Andrew Whitworth is an LA Rams four-time pro bowler and a veteran leader who is sorely missed by his teammates as he works to get back on the field, after an injury earlier this season.

Whitworth is also known for the great things he does off the field. He’s the Rams’ Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee and it’s because the big offensive lineman also has a big heart.

Whitworth and his family visited South L.A. families who are currently staying at Sola Open Air Transitional living. Sola is affiliated with St. Joseph Center.

“We just want to make sure we gave you a little extra blessing for Christmas,” Whitworth said. “And to let you know we’re thinking about you and that we want the best for you and that honestly, we love you.”

“The Whitworths are ensuring that the children here are at Sola Open Air: Safe Landing for Families will not go to bed hungry this season,” said the president and CEO of St. Joseph Center Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum. “We’re so grateful.”

The Whitworths purchased gifts for 92 children and are providing 53 families with their own $500 grocery store gift card along with individually packaged holiday meals.

The Open Air RV Transitional Living program provides safe housing for families who were living on the streets or in their vehicles. Rams’ Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee said he wants to make sure the families know they’re loved.

“I think the best you can hope for from a moment like this is that one family at least at a minimum is inspired to keep going,” said Whitworth.

“This is a celebration of love, of giving and it really did something to my heart because I didn’t expect all this from him and this program,” said Sola Open Air resident Danielle Murray.