L.A. declares emergency on homelessness // Olivia Gillis P3

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles City Council declared a 'state of emergency' on homelessness and called for $100 million to help address the growing issue. In the past 2 years, homelessness has increased 12% in L.A for various reasons including a shortage of affordable housing and lack of emergency shelter. Los Angeles has one of the largest unsheltered populations in the country, with more than 25,000 homeless residents. In addition to the $100 million funding proposed by the council, Mayor Garcetti has called for an annual $100 million to help with permanent housing for the homeless and to set up a foundation dedicated to the issue. He would like $13 million in emergency funding to grow homeless services and housing to "lift those in need, and pick up those left behind." We then can live up to the best of our ideals.
I think that the council's call for money to help address the issue of homelessness was a very smart move on their part. Homelessness has been an issue in Los Angeles for as long as I can remember and the issue is going to continue to grow until those in need are helped. The expenses of homes  in L.A. also don't help with the issue so, I think using the money to build more shelters is a great idea. Hopefully after this, more large cities will start to recognize the issue of homelessness so we can help those in need everywhere. http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/22/us/los-angeles-homelessness/index.html