Homeless Population Increased In Culver City: 2019 Data

CULVER CITY, CA — Culver City’s homeless population increased in 2019, according to data released by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). Volunteers counted a total of 234 homeless people in Culver City duriing a count conducted one night in January, the City press release said.

"We know our staff and service providers have made progress, but our work is not done until all homeless individuals in the community are transitioned into permanent housing," said Culver City Mayor Meghan Sahli-Wells. "We look forward to receiving our long-awaited share of County Measure H funding. Culver City was awarded $280,000 to conduct feasibility studies to increase the supply of affordable and homeless housing through motel reuse, modular/manufactured housing, and an inclusionary housing ordinance. Additionally, we will continue to work collaboratively with the Westside cities and partners to balance the needs of Culver City’s homeless individuals and the public health and safety of our community."

According to the report, 43 individuals were housed in emergency shelters and 191 of the homeless population was unsheltered:

• 62 were living on the street
• 57 were living in cars
• 37 were living in makeshift shelters
• 25 were living in RVs or campers
• 7 were living in vans
• 3 were living in tents

The number of unsheltered people increased by 60.5 percent compared to the 2018 data. In 2018, there were an estimated 119 unsheltered people; in 2019 there were 72 more unsheltered people counted. LAHSA found homelessness had increased 12 percent across Los Angeles County in 2019 — excluding Pasadena and Long Beach, where independent counts are conducted.

Culver City has been working to combat homelessness for several years. The City's efforts include: forming the Committee on Homelessness; securing Saint Joseph’s Center to conduct homeless outreach; and partnering with Upward Bound House to provide outreach and case management to homeless children and their families, the City press release said.

"On July 9, 2018, the City Council and Housing Authority Board approved the updated Plan to Prevent and Combat Homelessness: a multi-year plan to address populations at risk of homelessness, housing preservation, and a recommendation to conduct a feasibility study and citywide survey to identify seasonal shelter sites," Culver City officials said. "The City Council considered the Housing Authority budget this year, which includes 10 programs to address homelessness totaling over $1.3 million and authorized a citywide study of potential seasonal shelter sites. A status report will be presented to Council in Fall 2019. Additionally, the City Council will consider expanding Saint Joseph Center Homeless Outreach Services to encompass evenings and Saturdays throughout Summer 2019."

The City Council will also consider a Homeless Senior Roommate Match Program to aid homeless seniors and seniors at risk of homelessness in Fall 2019. The City is also examining the prospect of a "Safe Parking Program" as part of the Seasonal Shelter Citywide Feasibility Program in the Fall of 2019. Staff will also likely recommend potential seasonal shelter sites, officials said.

For more information on Culver City’s homeless services, visit the City website.