Norwalk awarded $90K to update its Homeless Plan

Ivan Sulic, field deputy for Supervisor Janice Hahn, presents a check to the Norwalk City Council on Feb. 7. From left: Councilmember Tony Ayala, Councilmember Jennifer Perez, Ivan Sulic, Vice Mayor Margarita Rios and Councilmember Rick Ramirez.

NORWALK – Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn awarded $90,000 to the City of Norwalk last month to fund an update to the city’s Homeless Plan. 

Norwalk mayor Ana Valencia called the financial commitment “a significant start to update the city’s homeless plan and show that we remain committed to the health and safety of our community.” 

Norwalk has taken an active approach to homelessness in recent years. 

In 2018, the city created the Homeless Operation Prevention and Engagement (HOPE) team, which connects homeless people to resources. 

The city council increased HOPE’s funding by nearly $500,000 in fiscal year 2021-22. An additional $4.8 illion was allocated to enhance homeless services and resources through the L.A. County Sheriff’s Narcotics Enforcement Team. 

In June 2022, the city council voted to offer homeless support service seven days a week through its Social Services Department. 

And last month, Norwalk began construction of the Veteran Villas at San Antonio Drive, a 60-unit affordable residential development. 

The development is described by the city as “the first veteran housing project in the Gateway Cities region to curb veteran homelessness.”