The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the homelessness crises across the country as community members faced increased rates of unemployment and evictions during the resulting economic downturn. Additionally, data has also shown that the majority of people experiencing homelessness (PEH) face significant challenges with their health and mental health; more than 80% of PEH have some physical health problem, and more than 70% have some mental health problem. Further, the closure of public facilities such as libraries and social services offices had adverse impacts on people already experiencing homelessness as needed services like food programs and interim shelters were no longer accessible. Thus, the need for interim housing and supportive services has become a great necessity in addressing the ongoing homelessness crisis in Los Angeles County, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Department of Health Services (DHS) Housing for Health (HFH) Interim Housing Program (IHP) provides temporary short-term shelter to persons experiencing homelessness who have complex health, behavioral and/or substance abuse issues. This population of PEH was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn, especially in already vulnerable subsets of the population such as those of trans experience. This capital project will be utilized to provide 30 beds of transgender and nonbinary-inclusive interim housing. This project will provide the target population with access to temporary housing that address their unique and immediate need for shelter and provides linkages to permanent housing resources as well as supportive and/or social services through care coordination and case management. In this setting, participants can focus on their long-term housing goals and resource needs, while getting culturally relevant and appropriate services.
