Thread by @mikebonin

In Venice this summer, we showed how transparency, trust, time, partnership, and outreach with *real* housing resources could address homelessness and reduce encampments. Today, in Mar Vista, the city did the exact opposite, disrupting housing efforts and causing harm. thread 1/8

There were about 15 unhoused people, mostly seniors, living in a remote corner of Mar Vista Park. Working with @hollymitchell @lahomeless and community partners, we were on track to find housing for people by an Oct deadline from @lacityparks. 2/8

This morning, rangers forced people out of the park and onto the sidewalks in nearby neighborhoods. We need to know why and how this happened and at whose direction. It was the opposite of the best practices we modeled with Venice Beach Encampments to Homes. 3/8

Fifteen people are still homeless, now on sidewalks just outside the park. Nothing was solved. The problem just gets worse. Trust and transparency have been shattered. Belongings have been seized. Services and housing were not offered. All on the Jewish high holiday.
4/8

What happened today is an example of everything wrong with how LA responds to homelessness: spending a lot money and effort to push the problem around, traumatizing people we need to help, and making matters worse in the neighborhood. 5/8

This is infuriating because we know how to do it right. Providing real places to live with services is effective at ending homelessness. It solves the problem and it costs LESS than issuing citations, seizing belongings, and pushing people around while they remain homeless. 6/8

We can do what we did in Venice if we approve the #HousingNow proposal from me and @mrtempower to fund vouchers & rental subsidies to house people quickly, purchase & convert motels, and approve a smart, humane street engagement strategy with genuine housing and services.
7/8

I'm angry and frustrated that the city once again showed how to respond to homelessness the wrong way, with failed policies. I am going to keep fighting to reverse these policies and do it the right way. Everyone will win when we bring everyone in. 8/8