LA County to Provide 3,000 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Beds in Settlement
Los Angeles County has settled a lawsuit by agreeing to expand mental health and substance abuse beds for the homeless population. The settlement comes after accusations that the local government has failed to provide appropriate services for the thousands of homeless people on the city’s streets. The proposal outlines plans to provide an additional 3,000 beds by the end of 2026, with a previous attempt settling for only 1,000 beds.
U.S. District Judge David Carter had previously rejected settlement attempts, stating the need for additional services and stronger oversight. In response, the new settlement proposal not only includes funding for the additional beds but also promises 450 subsidies for board and care homes. Significantly, a retired judge will be appointed to monitor the county’s compliance with the settlement.
The L.A. Alliance for Human Rights, a coalition representing both housed and unhoused residents of downtown Los Angeles, filed the lawsuit in 2020. The lawsuit aimed to address the alleged inaction of the city and county in providing services, leading to hazardous conditions in areas such as Skid Row.
The latest settlement bid comes after the county’s previous attempt was rejected by the federal appeals court. Despite the setbacks, the county is hopeful that this new settlement will bring an end to the case, allowing them to focus on addressing the homelessness crisis.
Los Angeles County has faced increasing challenges in tackling homelessness, with an alarming rise in the number of individuals without permanent housing. A count conducted in January revealed 75,518 people experiencing homelessness in the county, representing an increase from last year. The city of Los Angeles alone recorded 46,260 homeless individuals, indicating a significant rise from the previous year.
In response to the crisis, the Board of Supervisors has approved a $609.7 million budget for the Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative for fiscal year 2023-24. This investment aims to prevent and address homelessness, emphasizing the urgent need for solutions.
Mayor Karen Bass has also highlighted the growing concern for unhoused seniors, recognizing them as one of the fastest-growing homeless populations in the city. With the settlement agreement in place, it is hoped that the county’s efforts to provide essential mental health and substance abuse services will make a significant impact on improving the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
As the settlement awaits final approval from Judge Carter, it represents a step forward in addressing the ongoing homelessness crisis in Los Angeles County. The expanded provision of mental health and substance abuse beds signals a commitment to prioritize the well-being of the homeless population and work towards finding long-term solutions to their challenges.
