Homelessness in Los Angeles is a systemic problem. Housing prices are unaffordable for even those born, raised, seeking work, and retiring in the same city. Of the new housing constructed in LA over the past 10 years, only 10% was made into affordable housing. Out of this, only 1% is designated for ages 55 and under. Constructing or converting into affordable permanent housing in each of our cities needs to be a long term goal to provide for stable members of our community who are working but still cannot afford housing, the elderly, veterans and disabled individuals.
While individual cities in LA wrestle with how to meet these long term goals, our streets and parking lots are filled with people in cars, tents, benches, or just sleeping bags. AI has recently successfully placed an individual into permanent housing, but during the wait time of a month (considered very fast), AI provided temporary shelter and food for this and other individuals and families.
Right now, AI is teaming with members of LAHSA, Union Station in Pasadena, the SGV Consortium, the Arcadia City Council, local churches, Arcadia high schoolers, and community members to adress this problem by discovering, creating and implementing new city & state-wide policies on a grassroots level.
The funds raised by AI are to fund contractors and volunteers to organize, research, and implement programs and seek further funding from federal, state, and local government and agencies, and to cover basic needs for those who are caught in beaurocracy or while waiting for help.
AI believes in the Isaiah 58 mandate:
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with
shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh
and blood?
