UPDATE: A federal judge has issued a stark warning to the City of Los Angeles over its ongoing delays in addressing the homelessness crisis. During a hearing on November 8, 2023, U.S. District Judge David Carter expressed serious concerns about the city’s failure to comply with a settlement agreement aimed at improving homeless services.
Judge Carter highlighted the city’s “consistent lack of cooperation” and its reluctance to provide necessary documentation without court orders or media pressure. The judge’s comments come as the L.A. Alliance for Human Rights raised alarms over administrative issues that have hindered progress in this critical case.
The court has scheduled an evidentiary hearing for November 19, where further evaluation of the city’s compliance will take place. While the judge has not yet declared a breach of the settlement agreement, he emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “When the system fails, people die. And when it works — even slowly — lives are saved.”
This legal battle began in March 2020, when the L.A. Alliance filed a complaint against the city and Los Angeles County, citing inadequate measures to combat homelessness. In September 2023, a settlement was signed, requiring the county to add an additional 3,000 beds for mental health and substance abuse treatment by the end of 2024. Despite this, the city has faced scrutiny for allegedly failing to meet its commitments, including the creation of 12,915 shelter beds by June 2027.
Judge Carter noted that the city has fought against an independent audit of its homeless services, which revealed significant issues, including outdated data systems and a lack of accountability. “At the heart of this evidentiary record lies a persistent problem: the inability to verify the city’s reported data,” he wrote.
The judge ordered quarterly hearings to ensure compliance, stating, “The court wants the city to succeed.” However, he also warned that the ongoing failures have severely undermined public trust and judicial integrity.
As tensions rise, many are left wondering what the next steps will be for the city and its homeless population. The L.A. Alliance has called for a receivership to enforce compliance, arguing that the current system is “irreparably broken.”
With over 3,800 beds still required to meet the settlement goal, the urgency for action is palpable. The community is anxiously awaiting the outcomes of the upcoming hearing, which could determine the future of homeless services in Los Angeles.
Next Steps: All eyes will be on the November 19 hearing, where the judge will assess the city’s response and compliance efforts. As the situation develops, many hope for a swift resolution that will not only uphold legal obligations but also provide much-needed relief to those experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles.
