Los Angeles, CA — A federal judge has ordered the city of Los Angeles to provide evidence supporting the claim that it has issued over 2,600 rental subsidies aimed at helping the unhoused population. This directive arises from a legal dispute with the Los Angeles Alliance for Human Rights, a group advocating for improved homeless services in the city.
U.S. District Judge David O. Carter issued the order following a lengthy hearing focused on the city’s compliance with its legal obligations under the 2020 Roadmap agreement, which mandates the creation of 6,000 new shelter beds for people experiencing homelessness. While the city has been reporting rental subsidies in its compliance updates to the court, Judge Carter expressed serious doubts about the accuracy of these reports. He has requested that representatives from the city submit detailed documentation regarding these subsidies by next week.
During the upcoming decision-making period, Carter will assess whether Los Angeles has violated its legal responsibilities and if oversight of the city’s spending on homelessness should be transferred to an independent party. He is expected to render a decision by the end of the month.
Several key witnesses testified throughout the more than week-long hearing, including the city administrative officer and the deputy mayor for Homelessness and Community Health. A significant portion of the discussions centered on time-limited subsidies, which are intended to assist individuals in securing private-market housing for up to two years. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) indicates that these subsidies are vital for facilitating permanent housing for people facing homelessness.
Carter’s concerns specifically relate to 2,679 of these rental subsidies. Testimony from court-appointed assessors pointed to issues with missing addresses and inadequate details that rendered verification impossible.
Among those who shared their experiences during the hearing were residents from Skid Row, a community notably affected by homelessness. Don Garza, a 26-year resident of Skid Row, poignantly highlighted the struggles individuals face while awaiting housing. “They didn’t have to die,” Garza stated emotionally, calling into question the allocation of funds for shelters and services.
Another resident and advocate, Suzette Shaw, attended nearly every day of the proceedings. She expressed concern over the lack of connection between city officials and the Skid Row community, advocating for mandated visitation to the area by city employees involved in addressing homelessness issues.
Moving forward, Los Angeles is required to submit specific data on each rental subsidy by next Wednesday, including addresses and current occupancy status. This information will be filed confidentially and will not be made public. Starting Monday, the attorneys involved in the case are expected to present written arguments to the judge, addressing whether the city has failed to meet its commitments and if a shift in financial oversight for homelessness services is warranted.
Judge Carter is anticipated to make his ruling by the end of June.
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