The motion directs City agencies to install hand wash stations at encampments throughout Los Angeles as a preventative measure
Los Angeles, CA — Today Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez and Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell co-presented a motion directing the City’s Bureau of Sanitation and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) to install sanitation stations at homeless encampments throughout the City as a preventative measure to protect the approximately 36,000 unhoused individuals from the coronavirus.
“Given the conditions on our streets, we must take precautions and provide resources to our most vulnerable communities,” said Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, Chair of the City’s Public Safety Committee. “All Angelenos, regardless of their housing status, require access to hygiene resources to prevent any further spread of the virus. This is critical to the public health and safety of our community.”
Today the City and County also declared a local state of emergency to accelerate resources and prevent the spread of the coronavirus. City agencies are working closely with the county, state, and federal partners to monitor the situation. Among the public safety priorities, the City is working to ensure the safety at our ports and public spaces, protect first responders, and provide clear information to the public in response to the coronavirus.
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“While the Coronavirus is mainly affecting travel and tourism, it is imperative we have a lens focused on the potential to imperil those experiencing homelessness,” said Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell who serves as Chair of the City’s Homelessness and Poverty Committee. “I want to ensure we have the necessary hygiene stations and resources available from our local and federal partners to address this rapidly moving urgent public health crisis. We must take precautions —and secure the necessary resources— for our most vulnerable population as well as for those who are working with them.”
For more information, please visit: www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus.
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez serves as the City’s Chair of Public Safety and represents the 7th Council District in the Northeast San Fernando Valley which include the neighborhoods of Sylmar, Mission Hills, Pacoima, Lake View Terrace, Sunland, Tujunga, North Hills, Shadow Hills, and La Tuna Canyon.
