Four weeks after Los Angeles County officials declared a local emergency on homelessness, the board of supervisors unanimously approved a $609.7 million budget for the Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative for fiscal year 2023 – 2024.

The budget is intended to help reduce homeless encampments, increase interim/permanent housing and increase mental health services for people who are experiencing homelessness, according to L.A. County officials.

The $609.7 budget is set to help

• Creating housing units for people with specific needs i.e. chronic medical / behavioural health
• House people who recently become homeless until they can take on rent themselves
• Create interim housing to bring in people as quick as possible
• Dedicate to helping homeless find other resources
• Funding for programs to help them secure benefits they’re eligible for as well as employment and income
• Working with local jurisdictions to resolve encampments and co-invest in housing

“Budgets reflect priorities and I’m pleased this year’s allocation includes funding our city partners so they have adequate resources to do their part,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger who represents the fifth District which includes the Santa Clarita Valley. “I’ve consistently voiced my belief that municipalities know their communities best and can craft housing solutions developed and supported locally. I’m pleased this year’s budget provides them with a $20M Local Solutions Fund so their vision and work is supported.”

In addition to the budget being approved the board simultaneously approved $76.9 million to increase housing and create new innovative programs which include

• A new established Local Solutions Fund (LSF) to help people move out of encampments and into housing
• Skid row action plan aims to address the needs of skid row
• “Every Women Housed,” is specifically designed for women and families who are currently living on skid row
• A specialised outreach for people camped out in the fire zones unincorporated areas of the county

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