Judge's ruling allows homeless to be housed at Norwalk hotel

Photo by Eric Pierce

NORWALK — A Los Angeles Superior Court Judge granted a temporary restraining order Tuesday allowing L.A. County to go ahead with plans to house vulnerable homeless residents at a Norwalk hotel. 

The plan, called Project Roomkey, is part of the county’s efforts to shelter the homeless during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Norwalk City Council voted two weeks ago to block hotels from accepting homeless residents. 

Today’s ruling by Judge Samantha Jessner overrides the City Council’s vote. The restraining order is valid through July 2. 

“I think the Judge made the right call,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “We are in the middle of a health crisis and it is critical that we act quickly to move vulnerable people off the streets and into these empty hotel beds where they can isolate and stay safe.”