With yet another atmospheric river about to sweep through Southern California this weekend, officials are urging unhoused people in Los Angeles to seek shelter.
The latest storm is expected to bring dangerous, and even life-threatening, flooding, heavy snow, damaging winds, and wild waves —even more than Tropical Storm Hilary this past August.
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), the city, and the county, have been preparing to protect our most vulnerable neighbors, but some advocates say it’s too little, too late.
LAHSA
The agency has activated its Augmented Winter Shelter Program through Tuesday.
Ahmad Chapman, LAHSA’s communications director, told LAist the program is offering up to 240 additional vouchers for beds in hotels and motels across the county.
“Anybody who’s interested in taking advantage of that program and attaining a hotel or motel bed should call 211, or our Augmented Winter Shelter hotline at 1 800-548-6047,” he said.
When LAist called 211 on Friday afternoon, it took more than an hour to reach an operator. When asked how many vouchers were still available, the operator said there were none left.