Admitting that a fragmented government system is responsible for rising homelessness across Los Angeles, city and county leaders joined state officials at a townhall meeting in Pacoima Thursday to discuss housing strategies they say will cost billions, but will help more people.
State Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon addressed a crowd of about 100 community leaders and service providers to garner support for his proposed $2 billion bond that will go directly to housing homeless people who have mental health needs. Called “No Place Like Home,” the proposed measure would be paid for through Proposition 63, passed in 2004. The measure imposes a 1 percent tax on those with a personal income of more than $1 million to fund mental health services.
The goal is to construct 10,000 housing units statewide. The senator said no bill would be introduced, but rather he would try to negotiate a deal with Gov. Jerry Brown before the fiscal year ends.
“It’s the biggest, boldest plan in the nation,” de Leon said. “It makes sense. I don’t think you can provide psychotherapeutic services to someone if they go to a cardboard box, or to an alley.”
Read the entire article by Susan Abram in the Los Angeles Daily News HERE
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