West Covina remains committed to addressing homelessness through a comprehensive strategy that involves multiple city departments and community partnerships. The city’s approach focuses on providing support to homeless individuals while ensuring public safety and maintaining the quality of life for all residents.
Collaborative Efforts
The city’s initiative is spearheaded by the Community Services Department, the West Covina Police Department, and the Public Works Department. This collaborative effort aims to offer a coordinated response to homelessness, emphasizing both assistance and enforcement.
Homeless Outreach and Park Enforcement (HOPE) Team
A key component of this strategy is the Homeless Outreach and Park Enforcement (HOPE) Team. The HOPE Team works in conjunction with the city’s Mental Evaluation Team (MET), Code Enforcement, Community Services, Public Works, and patrol resources to provide a consistent response to homelessness-related issues. Their mission includes:
- Enhancing safety in city parks and surrounding neighborhoods.
- Addressing criminal activities associated with homelessness.
- Assisting homeless individuals by connecting them with available resources.
Recently, the HOPE Team partnered with the Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse (LACADA) to further support individuals in need.
Community Involvement
Residents have also played a significant role in these efforts. Community groups have formed to address concerns related to homelessness and public safety. For instance, local neighborhood watch groups have been established to monitor and report issues, fostering a sense of community vigilance and support.
Reporting and Assistance
Residents are encouraged to report concerns about homelessness or related issues through the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority Homeless Outreach Portal (LAHOP). In emergencies, dialing 911 is advised. For time-sensitive assistance during nights or weekends, the West Covina Police Department can be contacted at 626-939-8500, with the HOPE, LACADA, and LAHSA teams available to provide services.
By combining city resources with community engagement, West Covina continues to work towards effective solutions to homelessness, aiming to balance public safety with compassionate support for those in need.