Mayor Villaraigosa’s Comments On Homelessness in His “State of The City” Address

Although education was the predominant theme in his “State of The City” speech last night, LA’s Mayor did mention homelessness.

Here is part of the text on homelessness:

ANGELENOS, WE NEED TO FACE THE TRAGEDY -- the human tragedy -- OF HOMELESSNESS IN THE WEALTHIEST CITY IN THE RICHEST STATE IN THE GREATEST NATION ON EARTH.

WE’RE FORGING A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COUNTY. WE’RE REFORMING THE LOS ANGELES HOMELESS SERVICES AUTHORITY.

FOR THE FIRST TIME, WE’VE FULLY FUNDED THE HOUSING TRUST FUND AT 100 MILLION DOLLARS. But importantly, AND WE'VE INVESTED 50 MILLION IN PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR THE MENTALLY ILL AND CHRONICALLY HOMELESS. AND WE’RE BRINGING THE SAFER CITIES PROGRAM TO TARGET CRIME ON SKID ROW.

BUT, ANGELENOS, I WOULD SUBMIT TO YOU THAT WE CAN DO ALL THESE THINGS...WE CAN PUT MORE COPS ON OUR STREETS... WE CAN WORK TO KEEP TRAFFIC MOVING... WE CAN GREEN OUR CITY... WE CAN MAKE NEW OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAL HUMANELY WITH OUR HOMELESS...