By LILY TINOCO | Reporter
Los Angeles city and county officials have submitted plans to provide alternate housing for individuals living near freeways—eliminating the use of recreation centers as temporary homeless shelters.
On Friday, May 15, U.S. federal judge David Carter issued a preliminary injunction that required city, county and homelessness officials to provide alternate housing plans for individuals living near freeways by Friday, May 22.
“To protect those individuals experiencing homelessness currently living near freeway overpasses, underpasses and ramps, the court hereby issues a preliminary injunction requiring that they be relocated away from such areas,” according to the case filed on May 15.
The preliminary injunction was brought about because of a lawsuit between the LA Alliance for Human Rights against the city and county of LA. The lawsuit has raised “a focus on the public health issues facing the homeless community in the greater Los Angeles area,” according to the filing.
The order raised concerns in the Palisades and the ongoing question if the use of Palisades Recreation Center would be necessary to relocate homeless individuals after all.
At this time, that doesn’t seem likely.
LA officials from the city and county submitted preliminary plans to Judge Carter on Tuesday, May 19. The proposed plan will work in phases, beginning with identifying and activating exits for individuals currently in emergency shelter settings, including recreation centers.
“The city’s 26 recreation center emergency shelters will fully suspend new admissions and be prepared for return to their communities for recreation use by September 30,” according to Phase 1 of the city’s plan.
Admissions to a number of sites have already been suspended and will only be allowed on an emergency basis until June 1.
As part of the plan, officials hope to move people into supportive housing, reunite them with family, offer rental assistance and more.
Phase 2 of the city’s plan will focus on sheltering the individuals near freeways, who may also be relocated and housed during Phase 1.
“Subject to approval of the City Council, the city stands ready to commit the capital costs needed to implement Phase 1 and 2, in addition to its other ongoing efforts to create more shelter and housing opportunities for Angelenos experiencing homelessness,” the city plan states.
Mayor Eric Garcetti’s office did not respond to requests for comment as the Post went to print Tuesday evening.
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