Homelessness is a societal problem without many easy fixes. Sure, it's possible to help a homeless person out here and there, but dealing with the larger issue involves social programs and big-time government spending.
One proposal in Los Angeles, a city with a massive population of homeless people, would see hotels being compelled to open their doors to the homeless if there are vacant rooms.
Southern California doesn't have the harsh winter climate of more northern cities, and L.A. has a number of big homeless encampments — not just the traditional Skid Row, but also newer encampments in Venice Beach and elsewhere.
With this many homeless people, and an average of 20,000 vacant hotel rooms every single night in the entertainment capital of the world, it lends itself to an interesting proposal.
Unite Here Local 11, a union representing hospitality workers, has collected enough signatures to propose a measure that'll head to the ballot box in March of 2024: forcing hotels to house homeless people when they have vacant rooms.
"By no means do we think this solves the homelessness crisis," acknowledged Kurt Peterson, Unite Here Local 11's co-president. "But do hotels have a role to play? Of course they do."
If the measure passes, every single hotel in Los Angeles — even the ultra-fancy ones — would be required to report how many rooms are full and how many are vacant. From there, homeless people would be given vouchers that they could redeem for a room. Hotels would be paid the market rate for their rooms.
Hotels get paid their market rates for rooms that are otherwise empty and not generating income while homeless people get a roof over their heads. It seems like everyone wins here — but, not unsurprisingly, the initiative has a few detractors.
"It's insane. It isn't going to solve the problem," said Stuart Waldman, president of the Valley Industry & Commerce Association. "I wouldn't want my kids around people that I'm not sure about. I wouldn't want to be in an elevator with somebody who's clearly having a mental break."
Los Angeles has always had a significant homeless population, but the pandemic really accelerated its growth. Even though social supports are expanding and increasing, it's tough to keep up with a 16% year over year increase in homeless people.
On the surface, it seems like a good idea. But Los Angeles, of course, generates a lot of income from tourism. Many opponents of the measure say that they're not opposed to better social programs, but have concerns with intermingling homeless people and paying guests at the city's best hotels.
We won't see any resolution on this until 2024, when voters will decide if the measure passes. Until then, the debate rages on. Let us know what you think of this proposal in the comments section.
