Tensions hit a boiling point in a coastal Los Angeles neighborhood this week, as over 100 residents confronted the management of two local supportive housing programs. The community members voiced concerns over what they perceive as escalating crime rates and a decline in public safety.
During a crowded Monday meeting, one resident highlighted the gravity of the situation, recounting how Venice, California locals are encountering “dead bodies” during regular cleanups. Others expressed worries about drug-related activities, trespassing, and a reluctance to let their children roam the neighborhood unaccompanied.
The heated discussions focused on two supportive housing initiatives, The Journey Program and Safe Place for Youth, both situated on Lincoln Boulevard. Residents allege that since these programs launched around 18 months ago to tackle local homelessness, there has been a noticeable decline in neighborhood safety and living conditions.
A homeless encampment near Venice Beach in Los Angeles. Residents are demanding greater oversight of the nearby supportive housing programs and enhanced public safety measures. (Jill Connelly/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
While residents scrutinized the influence of these programs on their community, Venice Community Housing stands firm in its belief. Their website states, “Providing supportive services in conjunction with stable housing is the proven long-term solution to end homelessness.”
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The organization also says it provides “trauma-informed resources and supports” to help tenants secure and maintain housing, improve health, enhance education and thrive in their communities.
“This feels like a lot of lip service and not a lot of action,” one resident said as tempers flared.
Residents painted a grim picture of daily life surrounding the facilities.
A security guard outside a supportive housing facility in Venice, where residents recently demanded greater accountability and security. (Fox 11 Los Angeles)
“We’re finding dead bodies as we’re doing our daily s— and p— cleanup every morning,” one resident told the crowd.
Another parent said, “I don’t feel safe sending my teenage kids out to walk the dogs on their own, and that’s ridiculous.”
Others described feeling trapped in their own neighborhood.
“We’re getting traumatized. Our lived experience is getting destroyed,” another resident said.
Neighbors accused the facilities of bringing more crime, drug activity, trespassing, illegal dumping and violence to the area, prompting residents and business owners to demand increased security, stronger oversight and accountability from the organizations operating the programs.
The Venice Beach neighborhood and beachfront in Los Angeles, California. (George Rose/Getty Images)
After the meeting, FOX 11 asked Venice Community Housing Co-Executive Director Allison Riley why she declined to answer questions on camera.
“I’m sorry, I don’t want to be interviewed on camera today,” Riley said.
When pressed about residents demanding accountability over violence and drug activity spilling into surrounding streets, Riley responded, “We’re trying to give that to the community, and we will keep working on that.”
Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park said her office has heard complaints from neighbors for months and warned the organizations that future city funding could be jeopardized if conditions fail to improve.
“We are going to continue to fix this and hold these people responsible for providing their own security, for ensuring that the neighborhood around these facilities remains safe,” Park said.
“And you know what? Then we will start talking about walking back their future funding.”
In a post on her official Facebook page after the meeting, Park thanked residents for organizing and attending the meeting and said communities are “right to expect accountability” when taxpayer dollars are invested in homeless housing solutions.
Homeless encampments line the Venice Beach boardwalk in Los Angeles as residents raise concerns about public safety and supportive housing programs in the popular beach community. (Jill Connelly/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“I’m already taking steps legislatively, and you have our continued commitment to work with LAPD and VCH/SPY, to correct these issues,” Park wrote.
Residents left the meeting unconvinced that enough is being done, saying they want to see meaningful changes instead of more promises.
“It can’t just be an open door,” one business owner said. “Actions need to start having consequences.”
News Media reached out to Councilmember Traci Park, Venice Community Housing Co-Executive Director Allison Riley, the Journey Program, Safe Place for Youth and the Los Angeles Police Department for comment.