LA opening sites for car dwelling.

[GotSmart]

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2015/11/los_angeles_homeless_shelter_crisis.php

LA Creating Safe Parking For People Who Live in Their Cars

With a potentially punishing El Niño predicted to hit SoCal with lots of precipitation this winter and 26,000 people homeless in Los Angeles, the LA City Council has approved a set of measures aimed at helping get people off the streets, at least temporarily—allowing people who live in their cars to park their vehicles overnight in certain parking lots and opening some public buildings as temporary shelters. Public buildings that could be considered for use as seasonal shelters include "vacant municipal structures" or "park facilities," but ultimately would be selected by councilmembers, a rep for Councilmember Mike Bonin (who co-authored the motion) told Reuters.

The LA Times says that the city has fairly regularly declared a "shelter crisis" from November 1 to March 31; the declaration of a shelter crisis allows for public buildings to be opened as temporary shelters. But the City Council also asked that the end date for the shelter crisis be extended "further into the spring" and didn't set an end date. The Council also wants to find more public buildings to open to the homeless during this time. (The city has also declared a "state of emergency" for the homelessness crisis in general.)
The Safe Parking Program would allow people who live in cars to park in designated lots and would likely be modeled after a program in Santa Barbara, highlighted in the City Attorney's report for the City Council. That program puts limits on the number of RVs or vehicles per parking lot, establishes permit requirements for people using the lots, and also sets up restrooms on-site. However, Bonin told the Times that it's not too likely that the parking program will be put in place before the end of the year.
The City Council voted unanimously in favor of adopting the measures but is expected to take a final vote in about two weeks.

 

[Sabatical]

Much needs to be done to address the issue. It appears as though steps are being taken. Hopefully the drive to help those in need will overcome the "not in our city" mentality. Unfortunately Californias budget crisis may derail any meaningful progress but let us hope they'll help as many as they can.

 

[Reverse Engineer]

This is excellent news and long overdue.

In addition to the restrooms on-site, storage units would be good for people to store some of their possessions they don't use all the time like extra clothing, tools etc.

Hopefully a few more cities will pick up on this idea.

 

[rvpopeye]

Hopefully a lot more than a few.
Especially in COLD country.

 

[Lafnbug]

I have a better idea;

How about eliminating the law(s) about sleeping in your legally-bought and registered/insured vehicle, on the streets that your taxes paid for anyway, which is a 'public' place with no reasonable expectation of privacy in the first place? Free country anyone?

With 26,000 people on the street, I think it's time that everyone stop waiting for the politicians to, yet again, provide the answer for the condition they caused in the first place!

Rant over, I know there is no hope...

 

[buckwilk]

Key words in the announcement---Establishes permit requirements. You can imagine what those will be. You'll have to have a rabies shot, rectal exam, surrender any assets you may have, pass a background check, attend reeducation classes, disavow any thoughts you may have had or are now having about government intrusion into your life. You must have your papers on you at all times. You must attend classes on how to assimilate into society. Armbands must be worn at all times. Hair must be clean and worn in an approved manner. Searches can and will be held of you and your vehicle at any time. No over night visitors, no visitors not on the approved list. Computer and electronic devices must be turned in on arrival and may or may not be returned if you decide to leave. No alcohol, drugs or unapproved reading material. Mental health evaluations are mandatory. Samples of body fluids and DNA will be required. You may only bring in foodstuffs that are on the site approved list. You must fill out job applications and be ready to accept any position offered. Am I forgetting anything?

 

[Lafnbug]

Yes! Vaccinations!

 

[Sabatical]

What about gps tracking chip implants? Probably not mandatory in any other state, but we are talking about CA after all.
On a semi serious note, what are your thoughts on bringing back the WPA? The infrastucture in CA could use some serious work. Many folks may want work but what are the chances that they can find any? Those that subscribe to the views that most of us here have (less work = more living) would probably not be looking to be in any place provided by some government sponsered program anyhow. Many folks however would like nothing more than a job to be able to provide the things thier family needs. Maybe i'm out to lunch...just thinking out loud.

 

[GotSmart]

What about gps tracking chip implants? Probably not mandatory in any other state, but we are talking about CA after all.
On a semi serious note, what are your thoughts on bringing back the WPA? The infrastucture in CA could use some serious work. Many folks may want work but what are the chances that they can find any? Those that subscribe to the views that most of us here have (less work = more living) would probably not be looking to be in any place provided by some government sponsered program anyhow. Many folks however would like nothing more than a job to be able to provide the things thier family needs. Maybe i'm out to lunch...just thinking out loud.

That is needed everywhere.  NYC comes to mind.

 

[Sabatical]

Illinois as well. I'm sure the list would be long if one was made.

 

[66788]

The last place I would want to be parked is in with a bunch of people who live in their vehicles in the confines of a governmental program.

That's too much like a FEMA camp where you provide your own cell.

 

[Sabatical]

The last place I would want to be parked is in with a bunch of people who live in their vehicles in the confines of a governmental program.

That's too much like a FEMA camp where you provide your own cell.

Not a good scene for sure. It's the city though so what're you gonna do. Those with the power are pretty sure they know what's best for those with no power.

 

[akrvbob]

It may be true that everybody that works in the social services of the city are horrible monsters but I doubt it. I certainly don't want to go through life with that kind of an attitude about people. Maybe I'm naive but I think most of them are truly compassionate people who are doing the best they can to help the most people they can.

I have no direct experience but I have heard some very good things about the So Cal cities that have been doing this.
Bob

 

[Sabatical]

It is my sincere hope that i did not come across as judgemental toward those trying to help. Those that work in social services are some truly under appreciated folks and my hat's off to them. It is a tremendous problem in many locales across this nation and there doesn't appear to be a solution forthcoming. It is only through the continued vigilence of those on the frontlines that truly care that some relief will be realized.
However, CA is broke, as are many other states, and the ways of beuracracy will not likely be successful. Many politicians are truly caring people, but are beholden to the taxpayers. The programs that are the most beneficial in helping those in need cost money that is not available and require many people to administer. Those programs would most likely not garner support of the taxpayers and would unfortunately fail or fall drastically short of thier goal.
It is my belief that through the service of grassroots organizations and caring knowledgable people, like those here, that the most help will be given. There are so many people on the streets that are willing to serve and assist those in need that are limited by regulations that require things that cannot be obtained. People who are willing to grow food for those in need or teach people other skills that will help them provide for thier families are stopped in thier tracks. A group effort by those that run the cities and those in the communities that are willing to help would be greatly beneficial.
I think that a group effort such as this would empower so many people and quite possibly turn the tide of the current economic catastrophe.
I may be naive, in fact i probably am, but i choose to believe that most folks in need just want to feel some success and feel thier worth is appreciated and if that were too happen thier hope would blossom and spread to others. We can have greatness again if only we adjust our priorities and attitudes towards our fellow human beings.
It is amusing too make light of our shortcomings, but sad also. I think we do it because we don't feel that we can make a difference. In our hearts we want good things, but it is difficult in some cases, especially where the government is involved, not to be cynical.
Stepping off my soapbox now. Thanks for listening.

 

[flying kurbmaster]

Key words in the announcement---Establishes permit requirements. You can imagine what those will be. You'll have to have a rabies shot, rectal exam, surrender any assets you may have, pass a background check, attend reeducation classes, disavow any thoughts you may have had or are now having about government intrusion into your life. You must have your papers on you at all times. You must attend classes on how to assimilate into society. Armbands must be worn at all times. Hair must be clean and worn in an approved manner. Searches can and will be held of you and your vehicle at any time. No over night visitors, no visitors not on the approved list. Computer and electronic devices must be turned in on arrival and may or may not be returned if you decide to leave. No alcohol, drugs or unapproved reading material. Mental health evaluations are mandatory. Samples of body fluids and DNA will be required. You may only bring in foodstuffs that are on the site approved list. You must fill out job applications and be ready to accept any position offered.  Am I forgetting anything?

if they microchip you on registration I suggest you camp somewhere else, allowing people to park in vacant public building lots and supplying toilets is a great idea, if all you have to do is sign your name and give your plate number out. I mentioned this on here a few years back, a lot of people poopooed it saying it would turn into slum city. If people had to move out every day that would take care of some of the decaying that could occur if the sites became permanent dwellings however it would be nice if you could stay for a few days, how do they manage this at the existing sites.

 

[buckwilk]

Sometimes the way to counteract overreaching rules and systems is with humor, that's something the world can always use more humor. That's what many of the posts here are about. Social service folks are not the problem, bureaucrats are.

 

[Reverse Engineer]

if they microchip you on registration I suggest you camp somewhere else, allowing people to park in vacant public building lots and supplying toilets is a great idea, if all you have to do is sign your name and give your plate number out. I mentioned this on here a few years back, a lot of people poopooed it saying it would turn into slum city. If people had to move out every day that would take care of some of the decaying that could occur if the sites became permanent dwellings however it would be nice if you could stay for a few days, how do they manage this at the existing sites.

There are just a ton of logistical problems with this.

What happens if there are more vehicles than spots available?  Do you queue up on the street and wait for the next vehicle to exit? Do you have to check out every day?  When can you check back in?  If you need to drive somewhere for a job interview you lose your spot.  Do they have staff there 24/7 to check people in and check them out?

I agree with the idea they simply should make it legal to park anywhere there is public parking available.  That spreads out the issue rather concentrating it all in a few spots.

 

[GotSmart]

Here is a collection of historical writings on Hoovervilles from the 1930's


 http://depts.washington.edu/depress/hooverville.shtml

http://www.legendsofamerica.com/20th-hoovervilles.html

http://articles.latimes.com/1992-10-18/local/me-622_1_san-joaquin-valley

There is a great change happening in America today.  One example is the current Presidential race, a Billionaire vs a Socialist.  (That is as far as I go there) Another is the current $15 an hour demands for minimum wage.  The one that impacts us the most is the tiny house movement.  

Along with the idea of the current generation (The Millennials) not wanting to consume as much as their ancestors, is the idea of minimalist living. Surviving in a tiny house, or a van is an idea that has become popular lately. Not always out of necessity, but out of choice.   Why spend $1,000 or more each month for rent, when you can reduce the cost of surviving to much less. Live in a van or box truck.

Then there are the people who have no choice.  Living in a car because of being out of work.  They were evicted because of falling behind on rent.  Miss one paycheck and you cant keep up.  Medications increase.  And so on.  They are the ones that are using the resources in the main post.  Serviced by people whose grandparents could have been there in the 1930's.

We are the lucky ones that have found a support system for information and assistance away from the mainstream channels.  

We are making history.    Keep passing along the information and assistance please.

 

[GotSmart]

[font=Lato, sans-serif][font=museo_slab500, sans-serif]'The Housing Crisis Is Insane': 6 Cities Where Homelessness Is Out of Control[/font][/font]

[font=Lato, sans-serif]In many places, homelessness rates have exploded and no one in charge seems to know what to do.[/font]

[font=Lato, sans-serif]http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-po...nsane-6-cities-where-homelessness-out-control[/font]

[font=Lato, sans-serif]We are lucky as long as our wheels are operational.  Perhaps since it is an election year, someone will step up with a working plan. [/font]

 

[SoulRaven]

I have a better idea;

How about eliminating the law(s) about sleeping in your legally-bought and registered/insured vehicle, on the streets that your taxes paid for anyway, which is a 'public' place with no reasonable expectation of privacy in the first place? Free country anyone?

With 26,000 people on the street, I think it's time that everyone stop waiting for the politicians to, yet again, provide the answer for the condition they caused in the first place!

Rant over, I know there is no hope...

I am mainly a city camper, in a window van, and I don't do stealth, I don't try to hide what I'm doing, and you can clearly see my lights on at night.

I don't check, or worry about anti-camping laws, only posted street signs.

I basically never have any problems.  Obvious campers don't scare people.