Study: LA County Residents On Public Assistance Increasingly Falling Into Homelessness
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — There are more than 10,000 people in Los Angeles County getting financial help from the government who still seem to fall through the cracks every month and end up homeless, according to a new study.
Sure, there are those who bounce back with help from family or who find a job, but there are approximately 13,000 more people each month who fall into "continuous, unremitting, chronic homelessness," according to the Los Angeles Times, citing a report released Tuesday by the Economic Roundtable.
The nonprofit research group suggested the welfare system step in and stop children and young adults from reaching that point.
"Prevention is critical for reducing the number of people who experience homelessness as well as the number who become chronically homeless," the study said. "Housing does not provide a solution until the pathways into homelessness are narrowed."
There is federal low-income housing being offered but the waitlist for Section 8 vouchers was 10 years in 1999 and has likely increased since then, according to the report.
And even if they were to find housing, it can be hard keeping a roof over their heads. The study found that approximately 42 percent of people who become homeless don't get the support need. Many would benefit from resources such as health and behavioral health services, disability benefits, subsidized housing and visits from nurses. Experts also recommended helping connect families to substance abuse rehabilitation services.
The study was funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.
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