LIEU, FEINSTEIN, HARRIS INTRODUCE BILL ALLOWING WEST LA ARMORY TO SERVE AS HOMELESS SHELTER

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) and Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Kamala Harris today introduced legislation that would allow the West Los Angeles National Guard Armory to operate as a year-round homeless shelter. The armory is currently used as a temporary shelter only during the winter months.

In a letter to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, the members requested that the legislation be included in the next National Defense Authorization Act.

In the letter, Rep. Lieu, Sen. Feinstein and Sen. Harris write:

"In addition to its use as a National Guard Armory, the state has allowed it to be used as a temporary shelter for homeless persons, solely during the winter season, for more than 10 years," the members wrote.

"Unfortunately, Los Angeles County is facing a homeless crisis that is compounded by a shortage of year-round homeless shelters. There are nearly 53,000 persons experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County on any given night, with over 31,000 who have no other option but to sleep on the streets. While the use of the armory during the winter months provides refuge from inclement weather, the ability to use the armory year-round would help the county to better address this crisis."

READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE LETTER HERE

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