Reflecting on a Tradition of Generosity

by Jessica Duboff

Angelenos traditionally spend the 4th of July gathered with family and friends, enjoying a summer barbeque and sharing a beer or two, celebrating the beginning of summer and our nation’s independence. This year, however, let’s also pause to remember those who don’t have homes to gather at, those for whom the holiday is just another day without a roof over their head.

Last Friday, the Los Angeles City Council moved forward with a plan to begin setting up emergency homeless shelters in Koreatown, Venice, Hollywood, Harvard Heights and the Westside. These “bridge housing” shelters are designed to be temporary solutions while we work to build permanent supportive housing with Proposition HHH funds. The City has allocated $20 million to place at least one of these shelters in every council district - funds that not only go just to the shelters themselves, but also to increased sanitation and safety measures in those communities.

And yet, the backlash has been fierce, particularly around the proposed Koreatown site. The Chamber applauds Council President Wesson's dedication to finding a compromise with the community- the updated plan outlines additional sites to study for shelters, including the Councilman’s own office parking lot. Hopefully the format of this package will be a model for all other Council districts to follow – a model that balances ensuring neighborhood voices are heard and respected, with the urgency and “all-in” commitment that this crisis demands.

There will always be nay-sayers, those whose “yes, but not here” really means “no.” But in the decade that the Chamber has been working on this issue, we’ve seen that while loud, those voices are not the majority. Time and time again, residents of this city have shown with their votes and their dollars that they recognize the magnitude of our homelessness crisis and that it’s up to all of us to be part of the solution.

So, as we spend tomorrow toasting the birth of American independence, let’s also take a brief moment to reflect that part of our American tradition is a generosity of spirit and an instinct to help those less fortunate. Happy Birthday, America, and on Thursday, let’s get back to work in striving to be that shining city upon a hill.

Please visit EveryoneInLA.org to learn more about how you can help.

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