America is one of the top nations where the wealth disparity has grown very large in recent years. Even though the country is the topmost economy in the world. In America, There were around 580,466 people experiencing homelessness in January 2020. And as of March 2021, there were an estimated 6.4 million American households that were behind on rent.
Over 66,400 people were homeless in LA County as of January 2020. Out of this, more than 40 percent are unsheltered and living on the streets. With the COVID crisis and the rise of unemployment in recent years, not having a home these days has escalated the mortal and mental health of the people. Even though California’s governor, Gavin Newsom proposed a $5.2 billion rent-relief plan that will soften the blow, but it may not be sufficient.
Last year in March, The LA Alliance for Human Rights filed a lawsuit against the city demanding the local government should be responsible for finding homes for the homeless last march. While the Attorneys for the city and county of Los Angeles has filed motions seeking dismissal, the complaint was amended in November 2020. It’s been more than 18 months now and with not many conclusions the city attorney filed dismissal motions in federal court last week.
Los Angeles attorneys along with The LA Alliance for Human Rights, a coalition that includes businesses, residents, landlords, homeless people, and others have alleged that inaction by the city and county has created a dangerous environment.
Homelessness is associated with crime victimization also, which increases the risk of violence and impacts mental health which leads to more criminal incidents in the city. According to Reports, hate crimes have increased by more than 20% just from the year 2019. Last year Carter held court hearings on Skid Row, toured the neighborhood with elected officials, and spoke to people living on the street.
Now as COVID variant (Omicron) is rising, the homeless people are at most risk and due to the fear of death, their mental health is deteriorating and criminal cases are on the rise.
Even though the government has been saying they are working on providing affordable housing for the homeless. The implementation has been tardy.
Daniel Convoy, policy adviser for the alliance has said in response to the dismissal lawsuit and prolonged lawsuit that the city and county should be focusing resources on getting as many people off the streets as possible rather than spend taxpayer dollars grasping at every legal escape hatch.
Many Big firms are helping out people with personal injury and criminal act cases. But without helping people and giving them a fair chance at learning and growing in life. The city’s future will never be that bright.
With the Mayor elections coming in 2022 and the support of Los Angeles lawyers, there is a good chance the city and local government will start taking homelessness seriously and work on eradicating the problem faster.
For now, a hearing was set for Jan. 24 before the U.S. District Judge David O. Carter to discuss the dismissal motions.
