Notice From LAHSA Regarding Hurricane Katrina Evacuees

Here is an email sent to LAHSA (Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority) service providers regarding evacuees from Hurricane Katrina who are arriving in Los Angeles (It was sent yesterday):

Dear LAHSA funded service provider,

As you know, many Hurricane Katrina evacuees have already arrived in Los Angeles and many more will be arriving soon. Though you may have received calls or emails regarding beds or units that may be available in your facility to shelter or house the evacuees, this was done for informational purposes. Therefore, you should not reserve beds for the evacuees or prioritize them over homeless people on your existing waiting lists.

The City and County of Los Angeles are well aware that the homeless systems in Los Angeles can not meet the needs of our estimated 90,000 homeless people, let alone those made homeless by Hurricane Katrina. For this reason, the City and County have been working extremely hard to locate and open facilities specifically for the evacuees as well as to provide them with necessary resources. Some of these facilities may become operational as early as tomorrow. Additionally, the County 211 information line is gearing up to serve as a 24/7 matching service, i.e. collecting information about available shelter and services and matching people to these resources. Therefore, please feel free to contact or refer people to the 211 information line for the availability of targeted shelter and resources for the Hurricane evacuees.

As I receive more detailed information, I will update you accordingly. Please feel free to call me if you need additional clarification. Thank you for all your efforts on behalf of homeless people and the evacuees.

Mitchell Netburn
Executive Director, LAHSA