TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution declaring a shelter crisis; suspending applicable provisions of local law, including those contained in the City's zoning ordinances and regulations; and authorizing the operation of a winter shelter between the dates of December 1, 2012 and March 15, 2013, inclusive; and
Authorize City Manager to execute any and all documents necessary for a Lease and Sublease by and among the City of Long Beach, Long Beach Rescue Mission and/or affiliated entities, and any necessary amendments at the discretion of the City Manager for approximately 12,000 rentable square feet of industrial space at 702 West Anaheim Street at the monthly base rent of $6,000 for use as a winter shelter; and increase appropriations in the General Fund (GP) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HE) by $21,000. (District 1)
DISCUSSION
Who Started the Winter Shelter Program and Why?
In the late 1980’s, four homeless persons died on the streets of Los Angeles County due to inclement weather during the winter months. In response to the deaths, then Mayor Thomas Bradley started the first Los Angeles City and County Winter Shelter Programs. The City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County operated two separate Winter Shelter Programs. The Los Angeles County Emergency Food and Shelter Program Local Board also assisted with planning and funding the Winter Shelter Program.
Today, the County places winter shelters in each of the five Supervisorial Districts. For Los Angeles County Supervisorial District 4, the location identified is at 702 West Anaheim Street (Site) in Council District 1 in Long Beach. The Site was recently purchased by the Long Beach Rescue Mission for the purposes of warehousing donated goods such as food and clothing, and accommodation of the Winter Shelter Program as a pilot, working with the surrounding neighborhood and business associations.
What is the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)?
LAHSA is a joint powers a...
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