A $5.3 million grant will help 125 homeless people get off the streets and into permanent housing in downtown Long Beach, Calif., the Long Beach Press-Telegram reports.
The state's Encampment Resolution Funding grant will help people living in homeless encampments, while freeing up public spaces to be used as intended.
"This funding is going to allow us to create more of those possibilities for people experiencing homelessness and that is very meaningful," says city councilwoman Mary Zendejas.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the encampments in downtown Long Beach have seen an increase in drug overdoses and other health issues.
In fact, the area has seen the highest number of overdose-related deaths, "often linked to untreated trauma and mental health conditions," the Press-Telegram reports.
Mayor Rex Richardson says the grant will "enable us to get our unhoused neighbors the supportive services and housing they need and support a healthy, safe, and welcoming environment for library and park patrons."
The encampments are located in areas including Lincoln Park, Billie Jean King Main Library, segments of the Downtown Entertainment District, the Metro platforms, the Promenade, and Harvey Milk Promenade Park.
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