Whittier Helps With Homelessness
The city of Whittier has seen a drastic decline in transients on the streets since it opened multiple temporary and permanent shelters dedicated to providing them with shelter and care throughout the past three years. This improvement was a result of the city’s Three-Year Homeless Plan that was created in July of 2018.
The purpose of this plan was to reduce the number of homeless people in the city after having significant numbers of transients from 2014 (record of 340 transients) to 2017 (record of 214 transients). However, the city strongly emphasized that the purpose of the plan is “not intended to resolve the issue of homelessness in the city in the first three years but rather to lay a foundation for future planning and implementation… that allows for continual change in policies and procedures that address current and future issues.”
As the first step in adopting changes to align with the purpose of the Homeless Plan, Whittier opened a temporary shelter in 2020 using the Uptown Senior Center which was operated by the Salvation Army. This came after the major homelessness encampment toll that took place at Parnell Park in early 2020. The encampment affected the community as residents shared concern for their children and families who visited the park, and due to a death resulting from drugs that occurred at the park on New Year’s Day. The growing concerns from the public led to a 10-day closure of the park so the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office homeless outreach services could move forward with finding shelter and care for these individuals.
Correspondingly, the center would then be used as an interim measure until a new Salvation Army Navigation Center would open in early 2021. This shelter, nonetheless, would provide transients with emergency care, shelter, and food. This was an effort especially emphasized by the impact of COVID-19 at the time.
In August of 2021, the Salvation Army Navigation Center had its grand opening and was open to the public in September of 2021, offering 139 beds and emergency services for Whittier residents experiencing homelessness. What makes this center non-traditional compared to other shelters is that it provides “clients with case management services that include health and wellness resources, employment assistance, substance abuse services, and counseling, with the goal of connecting clients to stable income and permanent housing,” which are provided by the Salvation Army.
Although this center was a part of the Homeless Plan developed by the city, it was a tool used to allow the city to “continue enforcement of its no camping, curfew, and other quality of life city ordinances prohibited under the Ninth Circuit’s Martin v. City of Boise 2018 ruling.” This ruling allows cities to regulate public spaces from homelessness but only after the city has provided shelters and aid for the homeless. This was explained further by Mayor Joe Vinatieri, “People are either going to come to the shelter, or they’re going to have to move along. If they do not move along, they are going to receive a citation from the Whittier Police Department. We’re going to be compassionate and gentle about it, but we have to be firm.”
Besides the two shelters, the city has committed to preventing homelessness through a variety of programs. These programs include; a Mental Health Engagement Team which pairs clinicians with a Whittier police officer, affordable housing programs, low-cost home improvement loans to help aging seniors and others continue to stay in their homes, counseling services for renters, and financial support to local nonprofit organizations that address housing, food insecurity, education, and disability. This includes the Homeless Incentive Program which “promotes and supports property owners who rent available units to LA County’s homeless population through Section 8 vouchers.” There are over 35 organizations in the city of Whittier that provide these services for homeless people and their families.
With the determination and changeful attitudes toward preventing homelessness, Whitter has seen a decline in the issue. According to data collected by the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority, there has been a drop in reported homelessness in the city. It was found that “more than 50% less individuals are living unsheltered in the City of Whittier, dropping from 230 persons counted in February of 2020 to 127 in February of this year (2022).” These numbers compare drastically to the higher number of homeless during 2015, which shows the progression and impact the city has made in aiding the homeless and reducing homelessness on the streets.
Students can further advocate for the upkeep of these shelters and centers by offering their service and time to volunteer, intern, or work for these organizations if interested. Some of the organizations that may offer internships or volunteer opportunities can be found on the Whittier Parks, Recreation, and Community Services website. If students want further assistance in pursuing this field, they can contact the Center for Career and Professional Development to discuss their interests, skills, and career choices. Students can email the center at careercenter@whittier.edu or call via telephone at 562.907.4230.
Photo Courtesy of The Whittier Salvation Army.
