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, 2009 and March 31, 2010; and authorize City Manager to execute any and all documents necessary for a lease between Discount Storage Facility LLC (Lessor) and the City (Lessee) and a sublease between the City (Sublessor) and the Long Beach Rescue Mission (Sublessee) and any amendments at the discretion of the City Manager for approximately 12,000 rentable square feet of industrial space at 1405 Lewis Avenue at the monthly base rent of $7,000 for use as a winter shelter. (District 6)
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 sites winter shelters in each of the five Supervisorial Districts. For Los Angeles County Supervisorial District 4, the site identified is at 1405 Lewis Avenue in Council District 6 in Long Beach.
What is the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)?
LAHSA is a joint powers agreement between the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County to oversee homeless services Countywide. With the creation of LAHSA, the Winter Shelter Program has become a coordinated effort to increase the number of beds available in Los Angeles County. The County of Los Angeles, the City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County Emergency Food and Shelter Program Local...
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