Homeless Encampment Cleaned Up Adjacent to Public School in Venice

Los Angeles, June 22, 2023 - The City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, in partnership with Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., successfully carried out a thorough cleanup operation targeting a homeless encampment located at Main Street and Ozone in Venice. This joint effort aimed to address significant health and safety issues impacting both unhoused individuals and the general public. In accordance with Los Angeles Ordinance 41.18; 56.11, which took effect on April 26, 2023, Los Angeles Police Officers provided a 15-minute grace period for unhoused individuals camping on the sidewalk to remove their belongings before sanitation workers discarded any remaining items. The ordinance prohibits sitting, lying, or sleeping, as well as storing, using, maintaining, or placing personal property in the public right-of-way. Its implementation is intended to ensure unobstructed passage in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The cleanup operation prioritized safety, with sanitation workers equipped in white hazardous materials suits and strictly adhering to safety protocols throughout the process. Simultaneously, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) offered homeless outreach services during the operation to extend assistance and support to those affected. The decision to conduct the cleanup was prompted by concerns over unhoused individuals using restrooms as living quarters, posing potential health risks. The cleanup operation involved two coordinated waste management teams. Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. initiated the process by sorting through the refuse to identify and collect hazardous waste items, including batteries, urine, and syringes. Following their efforts, Los Angeles Public Works sanitation workers assumed responsibility for collecting the remaining garbage. To ensure the cooperation of unhoused individuals and maintain safety, Los Angeles Police Officers maintained a continuous presence throughout the cleanup operation. The primary objective was to restore cleanliness and hygiene in the area while upholding the intended use of public spaces. It is important to note that while the cleanup of homeless encampments on Main Street contributes to public health and safety, it does not provide a long-term solution to the broader issue of homelessness. The City of Los Angeles acknowledges this and remains committed to implementing comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of homelessness. These initiatives aim to provide essential resources and support to those in need. By improving the condition of public spaces, the recent cleanup operation in Venice signifies a significant step forward in enhancing public health, safety, and the provision of necessary resources to unhoused individuals. The City of Los Angeles will continue its unwavering efforts to address homelessness and strive for sustainable, long-term solutions.