LAWA Leads on Solving Homelessness
December 19, 2017
by Gary Tobben
As Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) moves forward on its $5.5 billion Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP), one of the key components has been to address homelessness at Manchester Square. Manchester Square is the site of the future Consolidated Rental Car Facility and until two years ago, it was home to as many as 420 people experiencing homelessness. Today, the homeless population at Manchester Square has been reduced to approximately 120 people and progress continues to be made.
The remaining homeless population at Manchester Square are located on W. 94th and W. 95th streets only, and receive regular homeless outreach services from agencies such as PATH and Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. Intensive outreach teams work closely with a specialized Airport Police unit that focuses on homeless issues and together, they navigate people into a network of services that enable them to move off the streets.
This progress is the result of a strategic partnership among LAWA, Councilmember Mike Bonin, County Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas, Mayor Eric Garcetti's Office and a Task Force comprised of 15 different city and county departments and community agencies. The Task Force developed a 12-month strategic plan and eight months ago, LAWA hired a project manager for Manchester Square and other airport property.
LAWA has hosted six Homeless Connections Events that served 325 people and delivered 1,450 services in the form of referrals, program enrollments, medical assessments, showers, and housing services. Since the inception of the Manchester Square Task Force, 35 people have entered permanent housing and 130 more are engaged in regular services. LAWA will continue to work collaboratively with its partners to find permanent and effective solutions for the balance of the population.
We commend LAWA, the City, County and the non-profit organizations who are focused on addressing homelessness in Manchester Square. LAWA recognizes that as they transform the airport for all of us who travel, they also have the opportunity to transform lives.
And that's The Business Perspective.
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