Central City Association of Los Angeles’ Post

A year ago, much of our downtown was covered by encampments. People on the streets were sick and tired of being moved along with no place to go, and neighborhoods were eager for solutions. Today, we are one of the only growing cities in the nation without large encampments in our downtown and we have emerged as a national leader in the fight to end unsheltered homelessness by treating people living in encampments with the respect and dignity that we all deserve. This morning we released a one-year report highlighting the progress we’ve made together over the last year. Here are some of the highlights from the report: -1673 people moved indoors from unsheltered homelessness in 12 months -583 people moved into permanent housing from unsheltered homelessness -More than 300 blocks of our city permanently closed to encampments -0 large encampments remaining in downtown Denver There is still plenty of work to do, but I’m grateful to be able to step back and celebrate the amazing progress we have made together in 12 months time. Onwards. Report Link: https://lnkd.in/gBqP357A

Last week's event, launching this anti-displacement toolkit from Builders of Hope Community Development Corporation, was great. It was wonderful to hear from community leaders, practitioners, and scholars about how to do "the good" work and make the most change. 3 Take-a-ways: 1. The best affordable housing is currently existing housing. Put money and support into repairing existing housing stock, especially for our most vulnerable senior homeowners. 2. Put money and support behind community organizers because they are at ground zero everyday and have the true pulse of the community's needs. 3. Focus on heirs' property issues. Put money and legal assistance behind helping community members ensure their homes have clean titles and the heir lines are in order.

The question of "What does HOME mean to me?" can connect people to their stories, their values, as well as to what and who matters most to them. The awareness of what "home" means can also provide the compass needed for the tenacity it takes to build a new sense of home and belonging. In this video, you’ll learn about Hives for Humanity co-founder, Sarah Common, and their group's initiative to make a difference in the Dowtonwn Eastside of Vancouver to address homeless and the overdose crisis using principles from the Belonging Matters framework. https://lnkd.in/gkd_zumG

The question of "What does HOME mean to me?" can connect people to their stories, their values, as well as to what and who matters most to them. The awareness of what "home" means can also provide the compass needed for the tenacity it takes to build a new sense of home and belonging. In this video, you’ll learn about Hives for Humanity co-founder, Sarah Common, and their group's initiative to make a difference in the Dowtonwn Eastside of Vancouver to address homeless and the overdose crisis using principles from the Belonging Matters framework. https://lnkd.in/gkd_zumG

We must invest in quality

The LA fires is not just about celebrities and the rich. The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have wreaked havoc across diverse communities, extending far beyond the affluent neighborhoods often spotlighted in the media. Altadena, a historic enclave with deep roots in the Black community, has suffered devastating losses. The Eaton Fire has destroyed nearly 1,000 structures in Altadena, displacing Black families who have shaped the community for generations. BET Altadena's significance dates back to the Great Migration when it served as a sanctuary for Black families seeking refuge from systemic racism. Over the years, it has evolved into a vibrant, middle-class neighborhood rich in culture and history. The recent fires have not only obliterated homes but also erased cultural landmarks and archives that chronicled the lives and contributions of Black residents in the area. THE SACRAMENTO OBSERVER The narrative that wildfires predominantly impact wealthy areas is misleading and overlooks the profound losses endured by communities like Altadena. The destruction here threatens to displace long-standing residents, potentially paving the way for gentrification and the erasure of a community that has fought hard to establish its place. Recovery efforts must be equitable and inclusive, ensuring that all affected communities receive the support they need to rebuild. This includes providing financial assistance and resources for rebuilding and preserving the cultural heritage that defines neighborhoods like Altadena. We must challenge the narratives that marginalize these communities and advocate for policies that address systemic inequalities exacerbated by such disasters. It's time to recognize that the impact of these fires is far-reaching, affecting individuals across socioeconomic and racial lines. Let's commit to doing better by acknowledging the diverse experiences of all affected communities and working towards a more inclusive recovery process. Altadena's residents' resilience is evident, but they shouldn't have to rebuild alone. Systemic and communal support is essential to restoring not just the structures but the spirit of this historic community. #dobetterpeople

King County Executive Dow Constantine’s years of service will leave an incomparable mark on our region. His tireless commitment to ambitious, evidence-based policy and his courage to address difficult and complex issues head-on have set the bar for the kind of leadership we need to meet our most pressing challenges. Under his direction, addressing homelessness has been a North Star for the County, and has helped our region approach this problem with collaboration, perseverance, and empathy.    We are deeply appreciative of his creation of long-term programs like the groundbreaking Health Through Housing Initiative, robust investments in veterans, seniors, and human services, and a County-wide commitment to creating stability for all—there are critical tools to help organizations like Plymouth make progress. There is still work to do to ensure everyone in our region has a place to call home, but King County is better equipped to meet this need thanks to Executive Constantine’s work. As an advocate and a King County resident—thank you, Executive Constantine…the work continues!   [Photo: Executive Dow Constantine, left, joined me and Susan Boyd, CEO of Bellwether Housing for the ribbon-cutting of Blake House / The Rise on Madison. This building was Seattle’s first affordable high-rise in more than 50 years.] Read more in The Seattle Times: https://bit.ly/3O7nwth

🙏The wildfires in Los Angeles have brought unimaginable challenges, impacting lives and communities in profound ways. This devastation serves as a reminder of how quickly life can change and the strength found in unity during difficult times. Moments like these highlight the importance of coming together, standing in solidarity, and offering support where it’s needed most. CRC Transport stands ready to help whether it’s through direct support or simply being there when needed. Recovery takes time, but together, we can move forward, step by step. You are not alone. We’re here to support you. #CRCTransportCares #Wildfires #LosAngeles #CaliforniaStrong #CommunitySupport #TogetherWeRecover #SupportLocal #Resilience #HelpingHands #WeStandWithYou

Panhandling: another complicated social issue that often falls to the police to handle. It IS possible to approach social issues with compassion, while also ensuring that community expectations are met. The first step to success is getting the buy in of city leaders, which we were fortunate to receive a couple of weeks ago. Excited to start seeing some signage go up! https://lnkd.in/eP_DP4xt

Today, while being led by a few colleagues, I had the privilege of sitting with six individuals who are currently unhoused to hear their stories and understand the journeys that led to their current situations. These conversations will help support some of Allegheny County housing initiatives, aiming to make a meaningful impact on providing housing for those in need in our community. Listening to these experiences reinforced the need to approach each person with empathy and break down the stereotypes that often cloud our understanding. Being unhoused isn’t just a lack of shelter—it’s often the result of relentless challenges people face, mixed with systemic barriers that don’t account for everyone’s unique circumstances. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to these struggles, yet resilience shines through each story. Let’s commit to a deeper understanding of the hardships people experience. Together, we can build communities that uplift rather than overlook. To learn more about Allegheny County’s 500 in 500 program, visit https://lnkd.in/eYdUqBAq