Structural racism in education, criminal justice, housing, employment and more have led to over-representation of black people experiencing homelessness, according to a new report from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.
Black people represent only nine percent of the population in Los Angeles County, yet comprise more than a third of those experiencing homelessness, according to 2017 data.
The report commissioned by LAHSA’s Ad Hoc Committee on Black People Experiencing Homelessness finds racial disparities and systemic racism has led to this over-representation.
The 115-page final report details evidence of the impact of institutional and structural racism in education, criminal justice, housing, employment, health care and access to opportunities. It cannot be denied: homelessness is a by-product of racism in America.
LAHSA, LA County and city of Los Angeles officials have scheduled a launch event for Monday, Feb. 25, at the California African American Museum at Exposition Park in LA starting at 9 a.m.
Ad Hoc Committee members will list nearly 70 recommendations and solutions to reverse this tragic reality, which include advancing racially equitable policies, programs and funding across institutions, as well as improving services.
Participants will include LA County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas; LA Mayor Eric Garcetti; LA City Councilmembers Curren Price and Marqueece Harris-Dawson; Jacqueline Waggoner, LAHSA Commissioner and Ad Hoc Committee chair; Reba Stevens, Ad Hoc Committee member and advocate who has experienced homelessness; Glenn Harris, president of Race Forward; and Rev. Cecil Murray, civil rights leader.
LAHSA is a joint powers authority of the City and County of Los Angeles, created in 1993 to address the problems of homelessness in Los Angeles County. LAHSA is the lead agency in the HUD-funded Los Angeles Continuum of Care, and coordinates and manages more than $300 million annually in federal, state, county and city funds for programs providing shelter, housing and services to homeless persons. For more information visit lahsa.org.
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