Los Angeles Takes Aim at Homelessness Agency Amidst Scandal
Pressure mounts on the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) as a damning audit exposes serious financial mismanagement, prompting city and county officials to consider drastic action. The nearly $900 million agency, tasked with tackling the city’s pervasive homelessness crisis, now faces calls for funding cuts from both Councils.
The controversy erupted following an audit by the Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller’s office, revealing a disturbing pattern of fiscal irresponsibility within LAHSA. The report highlights the agency’s practice of doling out nearly $51 million to homeless service providers without formal agreements for repayment, a practice that raises serious concerns about accountability and transparency.
Adding fuel to the fire, the audit also found LAHSA consistently delayed payments to providers and routinely failed to ensure these providers adhered to their contractual obligations. This has sparked outrage among Los Angeles City Council members like Monica Rodriguez, who has been a vocal critic of LAHSA’s spending practices.
"The audit was the last straw," Rodriguez stated. "I’m tired of taxpayers’ money being misused with zero transparency, consequences for failure, and feedback on results."
Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, has introduced a proposal to wrest control of homeless program funding from LAHSA, transferring it directly to the city. This bold move echoes a separate motion by Los Angeles County Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Kathryn Barger, who call for redirecting county funds to a new department dedicated solely to homelessness services.
Not everyone agrees with dismantling LAHSA. Mike Arnold, LAHSA’s former executive director, acknowledges the agency struggles with growth pains but doubts the city or county would fare any better.
“How long does it take the city to fill a pothole?” Arnold questioned, highlighting his skepticism of shifting responsibility for a complex social issue like homelessness.
However, widespread frustration with LAHSA’s performance has emboldened proponents of change. They envision separate, focused departments within the city and county collaborating to better manage the crisis.
Rodriguez pledged her support to Horvath and Barger’s motion, envisioning a future where city and county departments work hand-in-hand to effectively tackle homelessness without LAHSA.
For its part, LAHSA confirms many of the audit’s findings stem from a period of rapid expansion and the daunting challenges of managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
LAHSA states that its CEO, Va Lecia Adams Kellum, is already implementing reforms outlined in the audit and remains committed to improving the system, bringing unhoused Angelenos into safe housing.
The debate over LAHSA’s fate is far from settled. Los Angeles County Supervisors are scheduled to vote on Horvath and Barger’s motion on November 26th, a decision likely to have major ramifications for the city’s approach to homelessness.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
- What: Los Angeles County Supervisors Vote on New Homelessness Department
- When: Tuesday, Nov.26, at 9:30 a.m.
- Where: 500 West Temple St., Room 381-B, Los Angeles
- remote access:
- Call in: (877) 226-8163 | Participant Code: 1336503
- Watch virtually: [link to live stream]
- Meeting Agenda: [link to meeting agenda]
## LA’s Homelessness Crisis Deepens: Can LAHSA Survive teh Fallout?
**World-Today-News Exclusive Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Housing Policy Expert and Professor at UCLA**
**World-Today-News:** Dr. Carter, the LAHSA finding themselves embroiled in a financial scandal is making headlines. As a leading expert on housing policy, what are your initial thoughts on the situation?
**Dr.Carter:** This is a devastating blow to already strained efforts to address homelessness in Los Angeles. LAHSA plays a critical role in coordinating services and distributing funds to a complex network of providers. A scandal of this magnitude,highlighting meaningful financial mismanagement,breeds mistrust among the public,city and county officials,and most importantly,the vulnerable population LAHSA is supposed to serve.
**World-Today-News:** The audit revealed a “disturbing pattern of fiscal irresponsibility.” Can you elaborate on the potential consequences of such mismanagement?
**Dr. Carter:** The consequences are multifaceted and profoundly concerning. First and foremost, it undermines the trust crucial for effective collaboration among various stakeholders. Without trust, it becomes incredibly difficult to mobilize resources and implement effective programs.
Secondly, the misallocation of funds directly translates to a reduction in vital services for people experiencing homelessness. This could mean fewer shelter beds, reduced access to mental health and addiction services, and a limited capacity to offer crucial support systems.
Thirdly, it raises serious questions about LAHSA’s overall competence and ability to effectively manage the almost $900 million budget entrusted to them. this loss of confidence could led to funding cuts, further hindering their ability to address the crisis.
**World-Today-News:** City and county councils are now considering drastic action, including funding cuts. How likely is it that these proposals will gain traction and what impact could they have on the homeless population?
**Dr. Carter:** I wouldn’t be surprised to see significant funding cuts implemented. The public outcry and the pressure from both councils is immense. However, such cuts, while perhaps seen as a justifiable response to the scandal, could be deeply detrimental. Homelessness is an extremely complex issue requiring long-term, sustained investments. Cutting funding without implementing robust oversight and accountability measures is a recipe for exacerbating the crisis.
**World-Today-News:** What concrete steps do you believe should be taken to restore public trust and ensure the effectiveness of LAHSA moving forward?
**Dr. Carter:** This requires a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, a thorough and obvious examination into the financial mismanagement is paramount. Criminal charges must be pursued if warranted. Secondly, a comprehensive overhaul of LAHSA’s financial management practices is imperative, incorporating self-reliant audits and stricter oversight.
Thirdly, and perhaps most critically, LAHSA needs to rebuild trust with the community. This involves open interaction, acknowledging past failings, and demonstrating a genuine commitment to transparency and accountability. collaborating with community organizations and actively seeking input from those experiencing homelessness will be crucial in regaining public confidence and crafting effective solutions.
**world-Today-News:** Dr. carter,thank you for your insights on this vital issue. Clearly, the path forward for LAHSA and the fight against homelessness in Los Angeles remains fraught with challenges.
