Get the Facts

What do we want to accomplish?

Los Angeles has the largest number of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness in the nation. It receives billions of dollars a year to solve homelessness from local, state, and federal sources. When our elected leaders and public agencies were unable to create more beds, treat the sick, and clear encampments, the LA Alliance sued and won!

We sued to compel our local government to provide beds, and services, and enforce the obligation to use them. We achieved the creation of a legally enforceable mandate whereby the community provides beds and services to those ready, willing, and able to accept shelter. At the same time, living in public spaces is forbidden and laws are enforced. This is a balanced social contract providing for the most vulnerable on our streets while also removing those who exist to prey on those vulnerable and the communities in which they reside.

Options exist for less than $10,000 per bed. For just a quarter of the Proposition HHH funds, the City of Los Angeles could provide a bed for every homeless Angeleno on the street. For less than 1% of the County of Los Angeles’ $36 billion budget, the County could provide a bed for every homeless Angeleno in its jurisdiction.

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Milestones

May 13, 2019

First meeting of LA Alliance members; fundraising begins

September 26, 2019

First phase fundraising goal met; research on lawsuit begins

November 19, 2019

Talks begin with City and County officials

March 10, 2020

Talks reach an impasse; Lawsuit filed

March 19, 2020

Emergency Status Conference held; local officials throughout Southern California appear to affirm commitment to process

March 24-May 15

8 status conferences held

April 28, 2020

Chair of County Board of Supervisors Kathryn Barger files letter of intent to enter into settlement negotiations

May 22, 2020

Court issues Preliminary Injunction requiring alternative shelter and relocation of all persons living over/under/near freeways (approx. 7,000 people)

May 29, 2020

City Council President Nury Martinez files letter of intent to enter into settlement negotiations

June 18, 2020

City and County reach agreement to provide 6,700 beds and share cost of services, vacating the Court's May 22 injunction.  This does not resolve the case, but is a good start.  

June 25, 2020

Settlement negotiations with all parties begins

August 2020 - January 2021

Status conferences regarding City and County “Freeway” Agreement and ongoing settlement discussions

March 2021

Settlement discussions break down

April 12, 2021

Alliance files Motion for Preliminary Injunction to force City to act

April 20, 2021

Judge Carter issues Preliminary Injunction requiring alternative shelter and treatment, and enforcement of laws in Skid Row; also requiring audits, reports, and escrow of $1 billion homelessness fund

April 21, 2021

County files notice of appeal

May 13, 2021

Ninth Circuit stays Preliminary Injunction

July 7, 2021

Oral Argument at Ninth Circuit

September 23, 2021

Ninth Circuit order vacating Preliminary Injunction

October 27, 2021

Plaintiffs file First Amended Complaint