L.A. to boost pay for nonprofits at its homeless shelters

The Los Angeles City Council voted 12-2 to increase its payment rate for homeless shelters from $60-$66 to $80 per night, beginning January 1.

Councilmember Bob Blumenfield expressed concern that without the increase, service providers might shut down sites, resulting in more homelessness, stating, 'If we don't take this action, I'm worried we're going to see service providers shut down sites, and that means more people on the street.'

City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo indicated that the increase would add $13 million to the budget's expenditures, but much of this will be offset by a state housing grant.

The decision followed lobbying from the Greater L.A. Coalition on Homelessness, which represents over 50 nonprofit service providers, warning the council that many would withdraw services without the rate adjustment.

Read at Los Angeles Times