Malibu Schedules Town Hall Meeting on Homelessness

MALIBU, CA — The city of Malibu and several homeless advocacy groups will be holding a town hall meeting on homelessness at the Malibu City Hall next Tuesday.

The meeting, co-hosted by the Malibu Task Force on Homelessness and The People Concern (formerly OPCC and LAMP Community), is open to the public and takes place in the Multi-purpose Room of City Hall at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17.

All who live, work, or play in Malibu are encouraged to attend this first-of-its-kind meeting to learn about what the Town Hall’s co-sponsors are doing to address the needs of the homeless population in the community, the current status of homelessness in Malibu, and what concerned community members can do to help.

Approximately 160 homeless people live in Malibu, according to the 2016 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, conducted by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. More than a third are classified as “chronically homeless,” according to the LAHSA.

Many are suffering from mental illness, physical disability, developmental disability, substance abuse and chronic health problems, the LAHSA said.

“This meeting will hopefully shed light rather than heat on an often misunderstood subject,” Malibu Mayor Lou LaMonte said. “The people in Malibu care deeply about this issue, are eager to discuss and learn about it, and get involved.”

Speakers will include Malibu City Council members, as well as representatives from County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl’s office, The People Concern, MTFH, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The People Concern’s executive director, John Maceri, and associate director, Christina Miller, will discuss the characteristics and needs of Malibu’s homeless population and how they are applying their comprehensive, integrated system of care to address those needs in an effective and compassionate way.

“The People Concern is very pleased to be working with the dedicated leadership of the Malibu Task Force on Homelessness, as well as the city of Malibu and many committed residents, to help ensure that our most vulnerable neighbors are housed, healthy and safe,” Maceri said. “We look forward to discussing the issue of homelessness in Malibu, as well as having the opportunity to answer questions and discuss solutions at this important community forum.”

They will also report on progress made by their Malibu Homeless Outreach Team — two full-time professional outreach workers who have been engaging with Malibu’s homeless residents since the end of September with the goal of linking them to services and housing.

The role of law enforcement and other first responders and how community members can best respond when encountering homeless individuals will also be discussed.

— Photo via Pixabay.