It Will Take Political Will and the Power to Act to Fight Homelessness

Following is the text of the speech given by Council member Richard Bloom at the Bring LA Home press conference Thursday morning.

I want to begin by thanking the staff of LAHSA and those who have sat with me in scores of Executive Committee meetings as well as those who worked in subcommittees for the last three years.

We meet in the haven of the Midnight Mission, in the midst of the misery that is skid row, where some 10,000 individuals linger and suffer on the streets. We cannot forget that there are another 80,0000 homeless persons spread out throughout our communities -- from Sylmar to Sierra Mardre, from San Dimas to Santa Monica.

This plan is a comprehensive document with over 200 detailed recommendations. We were asked to answer a question: What will it take to end homelessness in 10 years? Today, an LA. Times editorial accurately observes that the answer is daunting.

My message to you today is that it will take the entire region, working together cooperatively, to have any real impact on homelessness.

We've learned some things from successful efforts in New York, San Francisco and in leading cities throughout the nation: namely, that having committed elected officials at the table, with the political will and the power to act, is the only way to ensure meaningful and coordinated regional action.

An effective regional governing body, leading the way, prioritizing and moving on the recommendations of this plan will be the key to success.

The City of Los Angeles, the County and each of the 88 great cites that co-exist in our county must play a pivotal role in addressing the fact that one in ten of our country's homeless, live in this region.

We will need resources. Los Angeles County is desperately short of affordable and supportive housing. Support systems are underfunded. We must seek additional national, state and local involvement.

That body will prioritize and implement and will marshal resources to take steps like building long-term supportive housing. Housing across the region is paramount -- without it our other efforts are doomed.

A regional body with accountable leadership can and will develop a program for the fair share distribution of homeless services and housing among communities.

My friends, only with regional commitment and resolve can we succeed in our critical mission.

In closing, I would like to quote a very important individual, my mom, who always likes to say: "we need less talk and more action!" For the homeless of Los Angeles County, the time for action, collaboration and unity is now.

Thank you.