Supporting People Experiencing Homelessness in L.A. During COVID-19 — June Bonus Episode

The June issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and
on today’s bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper
into one of this month’s feature stories, “Homelessness and the
Global Pandemic,” which explores how the Los Angeles City
Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) is supporting people
experiencing homelessness, among other vulnerable populations,
during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Joining us on the show is the author of the article, Executive
Officer & Chief of Staff at L.A. City Department of
Recreation and Parks, Anthony-Paul (AP) Diaz. We chat with Diaz
about how he and his staff are handling the pandemic and all the
challenges that come along with it, as well as how RAP has been
providing essential community services during this time.


Diaz discusses how RAP serves as the mass-care shelter and
welfare arm of the city of Los Angeles during emergencies and how
that has been amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019,
the Los Angeles Times reported there were nearly 60,000 people
experiencing homelessness in L.A. County, which means that a
large population of people doesn’t have a home they can go to in
order to shelter-in-place.  RAP quickly adapted and
transformed many of their recreation centers and park spaces into
homeless shelters — providing cots, blankets, towels, food,
health screenings and protection, as well as connections to
various community services, like social services and healthcare.


Additionally, we discuss:


The transition plans RAP has put into place to ensure that
people who are currently using the shelters receive proper
attention and don’t fall through the cracks when the temporary
shelters close

How RAP has set up more than 500 trailers to support
individuals who may need to self-quarantine

The emergency childcare centers the city has set up

How the city will use their current momentum to provide
better access to parks and open spaces when the first phases of
re-opening begin

A heartwarming story of a how a father and son were reunited
because of these new shelters



Tune in to the full episode below to hear more about the work
Diaz and RAP are doing to ensure people in Los Angeles are safe,
healthy and have access to essential services during this time.