Volunteers Take On The Homelessness Crisis, Part 3: 'Betting On A Motel'

#205: This is Part 3 of our multi-part series on volunteers who provide services for unhoused people throughout Los Angeles. Despite efforts from local government agencies to offer services to people, many people experiencing homelessness rely on volunteers to cover basic needs like water or overdose prevention.

Last week we asked, why isn't the government isn't putting its full weight behind things like fresh water access? 

The answer was Housing. Interim housing - to be specific. Things like motels, tiny home villages... The idea is that it would be easier for people to access other services if they are at least inside and off the streets.

So today, HTLA host Brian De Los Santos and producer Evan Jacoby are taking a closer look at that theory by visiting a motel in L.A. Mayor Karen Bass's "Inside Safe" program.

NOTE: This episode has been updated on December 21 to remove a potentially confusing line about the number of people who have received a housing voucher, which is distinct from the number of people who have received vouchers for an Inside Safe motel.

Guests: Nono, unhoused resident of an Inside Safe motel in Palms; Nick Gerda, LAist Unhoused Communities Reporter; LA Mayor Karen Bass; Councilmember Kevin de León of Council District 14; Councilmember Nithya Raman of Council District 4; Hawk, U.S. Veteran & Skid Row Resident

Music in this episode composed by: Chris Schlarb, Dexter Thomas, Evan Jacoby, Geir Sundstøl, Meitei, Ricky Eat Acid, Woo