By Isabelle Cruz
Homelessness is still one of the largest social issues across the nation. Many are hit by hard economic crises and struggle to overcome the social challenges of ‘making it’ in America. According to a CNBC’s “America’s Top States for Business” study, California is ranked No. 2 out of 10 as one of the most expensive states to live in, in the U.S.
Despite the glamor and lights of living in LA, there is a substantial number of homeless living on its streets.
According to City of Arcadia’s “Plan to Prevent and Combat Homelessness” from August 2018, LA county’s number of homeless was counted at 53,195 people compared to the number in San Gabriel Valley which grew by five percent to 4,292 people. While there was an increase in population for the valley as a whole the last year, the city of Arcadia has experienced an overall decline in its homeless population. In 2017, the number of people classified as homeless was 14 and in 2018, this number had decreased to three people.
The City of Arcadia is asking for your help. There is an annual City of Arcadia’s Homeless Count on Jan. 22, 2019 at 8 p.m. Arcadia needs volunteers interested in participating in this event. This matters because it is considered an effective way to comprehensively identify and address homelessness in local communities. Volunteers will receive training at the site the day of the count and all materials will be provided.
The City of Arcadia is in partnership with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and will work together in conducting this annual homeless count. This will be held at the Arcadia Community Center at 365 Campus Drive.
All volunteers must register prior to the count by going to: theycountwillyou.org.
For additional information, please call Arcadia Recreation and Community Services at (626) 574-5113.
