LOS ANGELES – Almost 7,000 homeless people living in encampments near freeways, as well as homeless seniors over 65 and others vulnerable to COVID-19, will be brought indoors over the span of 18 months under a joint legal agreement signed by the county and City of Los Angeles and approved June 18, by Judge David O. Carter.

Under the agreement, the City committed to provide 6,000 new beds within 10 months, plus an additional 700 beds over 18 months. The county has committed to investing $300 million over five years to fund essential services for the people occupying those beds.

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and Council President Nury Martinez were chosen by Judge Carter to help negotiate the joint agreement between the County and the City.

City Council President Martinez said the Court has challenged us to do better. We are now positioned to dive into difficult but honest conversations with our county partners about future financial resources and obligations. 

On May 15, Judge Carter ordered both the county and city to “humanely” relocate anyone camped within 500 feet of an overpass, underpass, or ramp and into a shelter or “an alternative housing option.” Today’s agreement encompasses not only those people but also the most vulnerable segment of the homeless population – those who are 65 years or older, or who have chronic underlying health conditions that put them at high risk of being hospitalized or dying if they contract COVID-19.

In approving the agreement between the county and the city, Judge Carter dropped his injunction.