A new proposed settlement was reached in a lawsuit over how Los Angeles County officials are responding to the homeless crisis.
In the new proposal, county officials agreed to provide an additional 3,000 beds for those who are homeless and dealing with mental health and substance abuse by the end of 2026, the Los Angeles Times reported.
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The Times also reported that the county would add 600 new beds in 2023, 1,200 by the end of 2024, and 1,800 by the end of 2025.
L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn told KNX News’ Jon Baird they need to provide these beds.
“We can't afford not to do this,” she said. “We still have so many people who are on our streets who are languishing, who are perishing. So, I know that we'll be able to find the money to do this. It's the right thing to do and, we need 3,000 beds at least.”
This started as a lawsuit filed by the L.A. Alliance for Human Rights three years ago. The group, comprised of business owners and residents in downtown L.A., claimed the local government had not done enough to tackle the homeless crisis and accused officials of creating “a dangerous environment” in the Skid Row area, according to City News Service.
U.S. District Judge David Carter rejected settlement deals in November 2022 and in April 2023. During both times, the judge said more beds were needed.
Matthew Umhofer, the attorney for the group, said adding 3,000 beds is a “real accomplishment.”
“At this point, we’ve got over $3 billion dollars committed by the city and over a billion dollars committed by the county,” he said. “Again, with a federal judge looking over their shoulder to make sure they’re getting the job done.”
Judge Carter still needs to approve the settlement. If he approves, he will sign off to dismiss the lawsuit.
Both parties will return to court on Thursday.
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