Abigail Aguirre struggles with disturbances caused by a nearby homeless encampment that frequently engages in late-night activities, often accompanied by loud music and shouting. This situation severely impacts her husband’s ability to sleep, as he starts work before dawn.
Her residence is located east of the 110 Freeway in South Los Angeles. Aguirre expressed her frustration, noting the encampment’s frequent noisy behavior and drug use. Three years ago, local authorities launched Mayor Karen Bass’ Inside Safe program to relocate homeless individuals from Aguirre’s area into hotels and motels, temporarily clearing trash from the streets.
However, the encampment problem resurfaced, affecting various streets near Aguirre’s home, such as 43rd, 49th, and 51st. The program aims to address unsheltered homelessness, which increased 8% citywide this year, posing a political challenge for Bass as she campaigns for reelection.
Records show Inside Safe conducted 25 operations in a one-mile stretch along the 110 Freeway during Bass’ initial three years in office. Despite efforts and successes such as moving 42 people indoors in Hollywood, encampments persist, with the 51st Street overpass facing significant challenges.
Nearby resident Joel Galarza identified various issues such as crime, prostitution, and drug use, exacerbated by the encampment presence. His calls to city authorities yielded disappointing results. Galarza expressed increasing hopelessness, feeling unheard.
Bass prioritized clearing street encampments for the safety of both housed and unhoused individuals, moving over 6,200 people into interim housing through Inside Safe. However, by mid-2023, 43% returned to homelessness, with some expelled and others leaving voluntarily.
Issues are not exclusive to one area. By December, 23 Inside Safe locations — about 20% of total sites — required multiple visits from outreach teams. Areas such as MacArthur Park and Franklin and Argyle in Hollywood received frequent visits.
Councilmember Nithya Raman criticized Inside Safe’s effectiveness, citing its expense without permanent solutions. She noted a 40% return rate of participants to homelessness and repeated visits indicating deeper systemic issues.
Bass acknowledged freeway overpasses and industrial zones as attractive locations for encampments due to shelter from weather and privacy. Inside Safe has visited Cahuenga Boulevard repeatedly since its inception, consistently moving people indoors.
Efforts in areas like Alameda Street indicate the challenge of repopulation. Records show Inside Safe performed repeated operations without securing lasting change. Downtown Industrial Business Improvement District director Estela Lopez cited enforcement deficiencies as contributing to repopulation, as enforcement is necessary to keep streets clear.
Success stories exist, such as an operation near 6th and Fairfax, where urban redesign made camping difficult. Angelus Rosedale Cemetery’s adjacent streets and sidewalks remain clear after a successful operation. Transforming guidelines and involving city enforcement are crucial to maintaining cleared areas.
Councilmember Tim McOsker credited persistence in Harbor City for resolving encampment issues. Baldwin Hills witnessed similar improvements around parks following Inside Safe operations.
Inside Safe has impacted lives positively, offering housing and changing circumstances for many. Johnnie Raines III highlighted successful interventions, while acknowledging ongoing challenges of new arrivals testing program efficacy.
Residents near the 110 Freeway face continued frustrations with fires and noise. Though tent numbers have decreased, challenges persist, posing questions about future management strategies.
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