Weho Homeless Population Decreases

The homeless population is declining in West Hollywood, according to a city staff report that will be presented Tuesday to the Human Services Commission.

As part of the countywide homeless census, on Jan. 31 a team of 25 volunteers and seven Sheriff's deputies documented 46 homeless individuals living in Weho. One of the 46 was a minor under 18 years old, and the rest were adults.

Volunteers and deputies also noted one car, seven vans, one RV/camper and four bedrolls in doorways associated with their homeless count.

According to the report Weho's homeless census found 59 people in 2009 and 57 in 2011.

"Of particular note is the continued absence of families living on the streets," the report states. "The rental assistance program funded by the City and administered by the National Council of Jewish Women has kept 116 people from experiencing homelessness."

The report also credited West Hollywood's Homeless Registry, which began in 2009 and documents new homeless individuals in the community, and the Shelter Plus Care program, which since the last homeless count has found permanent housing for "19 chronically homeless, disabled people."

A PATH Outreach Team is expected to follow-up on the results of this year's Weho homeless survey next week.

The commission meets 6 p.m. Tuesday in West Hollywood City Hall's Community Conference Room.

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