Homeless encampment is cleared out under 110 Freeway overpass in South LA
SOUTH LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- As part of Mayor Karen Bass' Inside Safe program, a large homeless encampment was cleared out under a 110 Freeway overpass in South Los Angeles.
"We're happy because it gives us a chance to get sober, to get our life back together, and we're going to use it to the full opportunity," said Amy Jennifer Meikle, who was transitioning to temporary housing.
Organizers said they helped at least 25 people from the site to transition into temporary housing.
"I don't miss being on the streets," said April Martin. "I'm from the streets. I've been on the street all my life. And, yes, I am ready for a new start, a new change. I'm looking for a new direction."
Tuesday's cleanup came just days after Bass visited another homeless encampment in Beverly Grove. That encampment has since been cleared out, and the people who lived there were relocated.
According to statistics released by the mayor's office, the Inside Safe program has completed 15 homeless encampment cleanups since April 28, in areas including Hollywood, Venice and South Los Angeles.
As part of those operations, 1,205 people were placed in temporary housing, Bass' office said. Workers removed 219,000 pounds of waste from the encampment sites.
The cost of the Inside Safe program -- including workers, expenses and hotel fees -- added up to about $12.8 million through April 28. The program is expected to cost $33.9 million through June 30.
Tuesday's cleanup operation was in the district of City Councilman Curren Price. His office said it would continue its outreach to the homeless population.
"This is not going to be a one-time thing," said James Westbrooks, Price's deputy chief of staff. "We do plan on continuing to work with the mayor's office and HOPICS," he said, referring to the Homeless Outreach Program Integrated Care System, "as we focus on getting our homeless population into more permanent housing."
Also on Tuesday, Bass' office released a letter saying her office was identifying publicly-owned sites of up to 500 interim or permanent housing units for the homeless.
