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LOS ANGELES () — A significant milestone is on the horizon for a local nonprofit as it prepares to house its 300th individual who previously lived in an RV on the streets.
This initiative, spearheaded by Los Angeles Councilwoman for District 7 Monica Rodriguez, is set to create a ripple effect throughout the city.
“It wasn’t easy getting here,” she said during a press conference on Wednesday. “Developing this proof of concept has been a journey, but now we have the ability to expand it to other areas of Los Angeles.”
The nonprofit West Valley Homes Yes has seen proven results in addressing homelessness. One of the biggest challenges the group faced was building trust among those they aimed to help.
“They’re not service resistant, they’re just disappointment resistant,” said West Valley Homes Yes Executive Director Kim Olsen from West Valley Homes Yes. “Once they got to know that I meant business and I was going to keep coming back, and they saw their neighbors going inside, they were like, ‘Oh, she’s for real. This program’s for real. They’re going to get people housed.'”
Focused on the neighborhoods of Sylmar and Pacoima, the organization has successfully removed 150 RVs from the streets, alleviating concerns and answering countless questions from those in transition.
“[They think] ‘What happens if I go into a hotel? I give up my RV and they kick me out?’ We talk them through the whole thing,” said Olsen. “We will stay with you. We’ll work to get you back inside.”
Recently, the city council adopted this effective model for broader use across L.A. In addition, a new state law set to take effect in January will expedite the removal and disposal of impounded RVs valued up to $4,000, increasing the number of RVs that can be dismantled.
“We’re working to understand how this new law can better facilitate our efforts,” said Rodriguez.
As this initiative gains momentum, the potential clash or synergy between the new state law and the existing program remains to be seen.
However, the commitment to improving housing solutions for the homeless in L.A. is stronger than ever.
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