N.3. 21-2731 DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING POSSIBLE NEXT STEPS OF THE OPERATION AND LOCATION OF THE REDONDO BEACH EMERGENCY HOMELESS SHELTER (PALLET SHELTERS)
I am writing to you today to express dissent for the temporary homeless transitional space that is planned to be established at 514 N. Prospect Avenue. My concerns are delineated below.
The homeless population is a unique group; and, as such, a unique group requires special considerations. In LA County, 32% of transients have reported substance use and 26% reported long-term mental health challenges (see LAHSA). These issues are statistically significant, and the figures are more than likely higher than what was reported due to methodology. In reality, we can expect the number of clinical diagnoses to be much greater. Crime often accompanies mental health problems and substance use disorders. As reported by ABC 7 News, homeless crime has continued to steadily increase annually across LA County (see ABC 7).
The most vulnerable populations - elderly with clinical dementia and children - will be at greater risk if a temporary homeless shelter is established at 514 N. Prospect Avenue. Both dementia patients and children are present at this address daily - with the dementia patients actually residing there. Considering the data outlined above, establishing a temporary homeless shelter will surely put these populations at greater risk. If caring for vulnerable populations is of any interest to you, I encourage you to reconsider establishing a temporary homeless shelter at 514 N. Prospect Ave. The homelessness population will usher in more crime due to mental health problems and substance use disorders, endangering children and dementia patients who receive care there.
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to you today to express dissent for the temporary homeless transitional space that is planned to be established at 514 N. Prospect Avenue. My concerns are delineated below.
The homeless population is a unique group; and, as such, a unique group requires special considerations. In LA County, 32% of transients have reported substance use and 26% reported long-term mental health challenges (see LAHSA). These issues are statistically significant, and the figures are more than likely higher than what was reported due to methodology. In reality, we can expect the number of clinical diagnoses to be much greater. Crime often accompanies mental health problems and substance use disorders. As reported by ABC 7 News, homeless crime has continued to steadily increase annually across LA County (see ABC 7).
The most vulnerable populations - elderly with clinical dementia and children - will be at greater risk if a temporary homeless shelter is established at 514 N. Prospect Avenue. Both dementia patients and children are present at this address daily - with the dementia patients actually residing there. Considering the data outlined above, establishing a temporary homeless shelter will surely put these populations at greater risk. If caring for vulnerable populations is of any interest to you, I encourage you to reconsider establishing a temporary homeless shelter at 514 N. Prospect Ave. The homelessness population will usher in more crime due to mental health problems and substance use disorders, endangering children and dementia patients who receive care there.
(To be continued...)