Congressman Gomez Hosts Homelessness Roundtable in Los Angeles
Los Angeles,
August 15, 2019
Los Angeles, CA – Today, Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) hosted a roundtable discussion on housing and homelessness at the Star Apartments – a supportive housing facility in Skid Row – to listen to the concerns and experiences of local advocacy groups in addressing Los Angeles’ ongoing homelessness crisis. “When it comes to the issue of homelessness, we need to develop a holistic approach that not only addresses how to help individuals escape poverty, but also identifies and tackles the factors that contributed to the problem in the first place,” said Congressman Gomez. “If we don’t act strategically to resolve the root causes of homelessness – factors like income inequality, skyrocketing rental costs, substance abuse, and health care disparities – more of our community will become vulnerable to it. This is an issue that requires an all-hands-on-deck attitude and I want to thank the organizations who joined me for this roundtable discussion to help Los Angeles cultivate strategies to end homelessness once and for all.” "These working roundtable discussions are an opportunity for organizations to advocate for the needs of people on the brink of homelessness, people experiencing homelessness, and those in housing who are trying to break the cycle of homelessness for good,” said Monique Davis, Chief Community and Engagement Officer, Skid Row Housing Trust. “It's also a chance for the various agencies to collaborate so we can more effectively address this crisis together." “We’re grateful for Congressman Gomez’s attention and commitment to the issue of homelessness,” said Christina Miller, Deputy Mayor of City Homelessness Initiatives. “We need our federal partners to be a part of our local solutions to make lasting progress that will help return our homeless neighbors to a safe home.” “The discussion held during the roundtable was vital to ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable people in our communities are being met,” said Myk’l Williams, Manager of Homeless Initiatives, LA County Development Authority. “The Los Angeles County Development Authority is committed to continuing to advocate for policies and funding that allow for the development of new affordable housing, preservation of existing affordable housing, and supportive services for individuals and families in need.” “At the root of our homelessness crisis is an affordable housing crisis, and we need the federal government to fully fund the existing programs that we have to help stabilize people in housing,” said Peter Lynn, Executive Director, Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. “That means funding the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program to allow for full voucher utilization, which could help Los Angeles County house an additional 5,000 families. We appreciate Congressman Gomez’ leadership in bringing together critical partners to discuss solutions to homelessness.” Congressman Gomez’s homelessness roundtable was attended by the following organizations: Chrysalis ### |
