KAC's Statement on Proposed Koreatown Shelter Location

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
CONTACT
Christina Kang
(213) 365-5999
christina@kacla.org

Los Angeles, CA – On May 2, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and City Council President Herb Wesson were joined by some members of the Korean American, Bangladeshi, and African American communities to kick off the City’s $20M campaign to open new shelters across Los Angeles, beginning with Koreatown. The press conference was held on the proposed site of the 24-hr shelter located on 7th and Vermont. Following the press conference, there has been considerable concern from the Koreatown community, primarily stemming from the perceived lack of a meaningful opportunity for residents and small business owners to provide input in the decision making process.  Many community members have expressed concerns relating to the project’s location as well as public safety concerns. Stakeholders had questions pertaining to the City’s long term plans and how the community’s concerns will be addressed.

According to representatives from LA City:

• The location on 7th and Vermont serves the highest concentration of the approximately 1500 homeless individuals in the Wilshire Center area. The number of homeless Angelenos in CD 10 increased by 36% in 2017;

 

• The City is working to finalize the plans for a secure, clean emergency shelter that will house homeless Angelenos and provide services that will assist in transitioning them to supportive housing;

 

• This is a temporary emergency shelter that is established to respond to the 36% increase of homeless living on the streets of CD 10 communities, including Koreatown. All 15 council districts are working to identify and establish similar emergency temporary shelters in a city-wide effort to respond to the homeless crisis; and

 

• This initiative is supported by Safe Parking LA, the Wilshire BID, KAFLA, the WCKNC, and other local faith and community stakeholders.

“KAC has received numerous phone calls from concerned community members regarding the announcement. And while homelessness has become an important issue in Southern California, impacting our very own community members and Koreatown residents, these efforts deserve the complete input of all voices. In that spirit, KAC believes we can work together to find meaningful solutions as we move forward. It is important that concerned community members attend the Homeless Committee public hearing at City Hall on Wednesday, May 9th where the motion for this emergency homeless shelter will be heard,” said Joon Bang, KAC ED.