The Westside Winter Shelter program opens this weekend and for the first time will offer supportive services for those who want to live their life off the streets of Los Angeles.
The shelter, which opens December 1st, will utilize a pick up and drop off location at the Los Angeles Police Department Substation in Venice Beach (1530 W. Ocean Front Walk). The bus will pick up between 4:30-6:00 p.m. and will return the following morning at 7:30.
The shelter is located at the West LA Armory and will have 160 beds.
First to Serve will manage the shelter program for the City and will offer something new: two on-site case managers who will assist the clients transition to permanent supportive housing, help with job placement, and offer medical services and healthcare resources.
“I’ve pushed for supportive services for the homeless for years,” said Councilmember Bill Rosendahl. “I’m thrilled that shelter clients will finally get the quality services that they need, while at the same time I remain optimistic that those who want the help will take advantage of this opportunity.”
Last year, you may recall the Winter Shelter opened six weeks early to help deal with a sudden and dramatic increase in homelessness in Council District 11. An extra shelter, as well as an additional pick up/drop off location, were added to provide relief.
As it turns, those extra services are not needed this year thanks to a joint City-County effort that provided supportive services at places like Westchester Park (Daily Breeze).
Remember — those interested in taking part in the program must go to the Venice Beach pick up location. The Armory does not take walk ups.
The shelter program ends March 1st.
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