A statement from the office of 6th District Councilman Dee Andrews today announces the Councilman’s intention to move forward with an agenda item in next Tuesday’s Council meeting that will allow Long Beach’s homeless population – the release refers to “economic refugees” – to sleep in their vehicles at night in certain specific zones. Citing hard financial times and an increasing homeless population as a result, Andrews’ motion would essentially de-criminalize the act of sleeping in vehicles at night.
“We are in a new era of poverty and homelessness in our nation, state and our great city,” Andrews is quoted in the release. “Everywhere I look, I see Long Beach economic refugees seeking basic assistance in support of their life. Many of our neighbors have lost their jobs, their homes, and their support network. Many people are left with no choice but to live in their vehicles as they try to get back on their feet. We are all a few paychecks away from being in the same situation.”
The zones would include municipal properties, church parking lots and other areas that would be zoned with the goal of having minimal impact on residential homes and communities, according to the release. The agenda item will also recommend extra steps to be taken to ensure safety, and some way for the homeless to prove past Long Beach residency – perhaps to curb fears that the ordinance will attract homeless people from outside of the city.
Similar ordinances have been adopted in Santa Barbara County and Eugene, Oregon. The Council will discuss the matter during next Tuesday’s meeting.
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