Los Angeles Inside Safe Program Sees 40 Percent of Participants Return to Streets Amid Funding Challenges

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass launched the Inside Safe program through an executive order in December 2022 to address homelessness. The initiative provides interim housing, often in motel rooms, along with case management, housing navigation, and meals administered by nonprofit service providers.

The program's website states that hundreds of participants have transitioned to permanent housing. The $300 million effort has moved approximately 5,800 people into interim housing. Data from December, as reported by the Los Angeles Times, indicates that about 40 percent of these participants have returned to living on the streets.

Bass commented on the findings, stating the importance of examining why individuals leave and strengthening interim housing based on evidence.

Some participants and community members have raised concerns about the program's rules, including a ban on guests. Jonathan Torres, a participant in Inside Safe, described the guest restriction as unfair, noting that allowing visitors supports mental well-being.

Nonprofit leaders involved in operating the sites explained that such rules aim to ensure participant safety. UCLA Law School professor emeritus Gary Blasi stated to the Los Angeles Times that insufficient housing vouchers and low-cost apartments limit permanent housing options for program members.

He described the approach as unsustainable, directing funds toward motel stays rather than long-term solutions.

The Inside Safe findings occur amid efforts to maintain funding for homelessness programs under the Trump administration. The administration has issued executive orders and campaign pledges to restrict such funding and increase penalties for street living.

Last year, the National Alliance to End Homelessness and the Women’s Development Corporation filed a lawsuit against new criteria for a 40-year-old federal program, which they said disrupted grants and affected recipients. Last week, a federal judge ruled the administration's rule changes unlawful.

Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, described the decision as a victory for those in permanent housing programs and emphasized that homelessness efforts should remain nonpartisan. " — Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness (The Independent) The ruling addresses immediate funding stability for affected programs.

Bass's office has been contacted for additional comment on the local report. Ongoing evaluations may inform adjustments to Inside Safe, while national legal developments could influence future federal support for similar initiatives.