“I am unable to disclose the official results until I get permission from LAHSA” Housing Director Tevis Barnes spoke to the City Council meeting on Feb. 26, 2024, citing the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority’s rules for the Annual Homeless Count, “We can tell you that the overall number is down.”
The definition of ‘homeless’ used by Culver City during the January count is “persons living in places not fit for habitation; cars, campers, RV’s, tents and people in shelters.” Barnes noted, “There is an unsheltered count and a sheltered count. Shelters are not homes, and so these people meet the definition of being homeless.”
The January count is a three day canvassing effort the takes place across Los Angeles County.
A video presented to the council meeting showed both Mayor Yasmine Imani McMorrin and Vice Mayor Dan O’Brien participating on the rainy night at the beginning of the official action. Many volunteers turned out to help the city staff with finding where people were sheltering along the creek, and on the streets of the city.
The council heard from Dr. Dan Richardson, Human Services and Crisis Information Manager, leader of the Mobil Crisis team, which is scheduled to begin activity on Feb. 27, 2024. Richardson noted the situation on the creek, saying “It’s important for us to know the numbers, so that we are able to apportion resources.”
In 2023, an average of 177 people experienced homelessness “on any given night in Culver City.”
Culver City has opened the two Project Homekey Hotels, and the Wellness/Safe Sleep site since the last count, in addition to leasing space at two local hotels to help offer shelter.
The first resident moved in to Project Homekey in October of 2023, and there are currently 37 people living there. Full occupancy is expected by the end of March. The Wellness Village/Safe Sleep Site currently has 14 residents, with a total of 37 having been moved ‘through,’ and 19 of those moved from Wellness Village to Project Homekey.
The Mobil Crisis Unit will debut on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at a Mental Health and Wellness event at City Hall from 11 am to 3 pm.
Judith Martin-Straw
