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Mar Vista homeless encampment cleaned up
A massive homeless encampment under a bridge near the border of Los Angeles and Culver City was cleaned up, as part of LA's Inside Safe program. The people were placed in temporary homes. Some FOX 11 spoke to are excited. This is the 29th Inside Safe operation.
LOS ANGELES - Dozens of homeless people were relocated Tuesday after a massive encampment under an overpass was cleaned up as part of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass' Inside Safe initiative.
Tuesday's cleanup was Inside Safe's 29th operation, and was a collaboration between Los Angeles County, and the cities of Los Angeles and Culver City. The encampment sat at the border of the two cities.
Both those who lived in the encampment and those who work in the area welcomed the move, like Jermaine. He said he's "been out here homeless for a while," and seemed to be looking forward to the promise of "a room and some casework and be able to eventually secure permanent housing."
Kris said her hope "is to get my own place so that I can get more stable and then one day have my daughter back with me."
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The intersection near the encampment has had no shortage of trouble in the past. Back in 2018, FOX 11 reported on a shooting at the intersection, captured on silent security camera. Richard Kuebler, who works at an auto repair shop nearby, called the cleanup "the happiest day of my life, getting rid of a lot of them." He said the residents at the encampment have caused him "lots of problems" over the years.
The Inside Safe Program bussed the homeless to hotels and motels, the city won't specify which for privacy reasons. They'll get a room for three to six months with services.
"It's leading with care. Coming in here and really getting access to these individuals, the housing and services that they so desperately need and want," said Culver City Mayor Albert Vera.
As of Tuesday night there are a few tents still remaining, while on the Culver City side, temporary fences have already been erected.
Bass' administration said that the Inside Safe initiative has brought about 1,700 people into temporary housing, but the number of those who have transitioned into permanent housing is still undetermined.