Leaders from philanthropy, business, government, and non-profit sectors, including several with lived expertise in homelessness, join forces to improve implementation and oversight of solutions.
A cross section of Los Angeles County leaders are forming a Leadership Table focused on building one unified plan of action for addressing and preventing homelessness in the region. Established by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, this unprecedented new governance body will help align the region’s approach to homelessness and provide critical accountability and oversight to ensure more meaningful results. Peter Laugharn, President and CEO of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, and Miguel Santana, President and CEO of the California Community Foundation, were called upon to partner with the County to charter the table composed of a diverse mix of civic, public, and private sector leaders.
Launching today, the Leadership Table will bring together new experts from various sectors to streamline decision making. The new group will also play a pivotal role in the implementation of the “Affordable Housing, Homelessness Solutions and Prevention Now” ballot measure, should it pass this November. The ballot measure names the Leadership Table and Executive Committee – which recently launched as well and is led by public officials – to provide the needed oversight duties for the measure’s programs and projects. The Executive Committee will work hand in hand with the Leadership Table to outline metrics and actionable recommendations to accomplish the following goals:
- Reduce the number of people falling into homelessness;
- Reduce the number of people with mental illness and substance use disorders who experience homelessness;
- Increase the number of people moving from encampments into interim and permanent housing;
- Increase the number of people permanently leaving homelessness;
- Increase the number of affordable housing units in Los Angeles County.
The measure, if passed, would require funded programs and projects to be audited regularly and meet specific metrics. These audits and other accountability measures would be overseen by the Executive Committee, Leadership Table, and other regional bodies ensuring that funds are directed to programs with proven rates of effectiveness.
“Not only is it possible to ensure that all Angelenos have a safe, dignified place to call home, it is essential that this be the year we all come together to take the housing and homelessness strategy to the next level. And that’s exactly what we’re doing through this Leadership Table,” said Peter Laugharn, President and CEO of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. “Local governments, agencies, philanthropies, businesses, and service providers must start streamlining ongoing efforts into one coordinated approach. The Leadership Table demonstrates our collective commitment to rowing in unison by bringing together the powerful experiences and perspectives of local leaders who know first-hand what it will take to ultimately solve homelessness.”
“We are at a critical inflection point and must embrace new, collaborative approaches to address our homelessness crisis with a regional approach that advances bold new solutions with urgency,” said Miguel Santana, CEO of the California Community Foundation. “This Leadership Table is modeled from lessons learned both locally and best practices across the nation. Bringing together a powerful coalition of leaders and experts, each contributing unique perspectives and expertise, we will ensure greater accountability and outcome driven goals that embrace innovation and drive faster, more meaningful results for our communities.”
The Leadership Table is composed of representatives from across the region, across sectors, and across experiences. Three seats are held by representatives who have personally experienced homelessness, reserving two for members who lived through this in their youth. The business community is also represented with three seats.
The Leadership Table is composed of the following members:
- Persons with lived expertise:
- La’Toya Cooper – LA Emissary
- Alexis Obinna – LA Emissary/Homeless Youth Forum of Los Angeles
- Brandon Scoggan – Valley Oasis
- Service providers:
- Celina Alvarez – Housing Works
- Stephanie Klasky-Gamer – LA Family Housing
- Jose Osuna – Brilliant Corners
- Grant Sunoo – Little Tokyo Service Center
- Academia:
- Janey Rountree – California Policy Lab
- Business community:
- George W. Greene Esq. – Hospital Association of Southern California
- Mary Leslie – Los Angeles Business Council
- Maria Salinas – LA Area Chamber of Commerce
- Faith community:
- Amara Ononiwu – Faith Collaborative to End Homelessness
- Veteran community:
- Darren L. Hendon – Veteran Social Services, Inc.
- Labor community:
- David Allen Green – SEIU Local 721
- Public sector:
- Representatives across City departments
- Representatives across County departments and divisions
- Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) Representative
- Representatives from Long Beach, Pasadena, Glendale, and Inglewood City governments
What They’re Saying
“The launch of this Leadership Table comes at such a crucial moment in the homelessness crisis, when we urgently need to bring more structure and coordination to governments’ efforts to turn the tide,” said Becky Shevlin, Mayor of Monrovia. “We all should be excited about the opportunities that the Leadership Table and Executive Committee hold, but we must remember that it’s going to take dedication and unwavering commitment from all of us to put in the time and work necessary to deliver real results.”
“Having personally experienced homelessness, I understand what it’s like to feel ignored and to not hold a seat where I can be the architect to my future,” said La’Toya Cooper at LA Emissary. “I hope and believe that this is a turning point in our work to fix this problem and that by including diverse experiences we can accomplish our goals inclusively and effectively so that stories like mine are much, much rarer.”
“The homelessness crisis is too complex to be solved by one person or organization,” said Maria S. Salinas, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s vital for the business community to engage and collaborate with stakeholders. And that’s why I’m pleased to serve on the Leadership Table as it strives to help deliver more meaningful results for the Los Angeles region.”
“The Executive Committee and Leadership Table will be strong partners who strategize our approach to tackle the homelessness crisis with creative solutions,” said Supervisor Barger, Chair of the Executive Committee. “Most importantly, this partnership will be a source of ideas and accountability. It’s vital for the decision makers on the Executive Committee to have the support and input of the Leadership Table’s experts, including those with lived experience. Together, we can make a real impact to reduce and prevent homelessness in each of our Los Angeles County communities.”