Efforts to improve the severe poverty issues in Skid Row in the past have largely been unsuccessful.  Now a new plan has been developed that requires the coordination of several agencies intent on providing meaningful support to the robust homeless population in the area.

Previous attempts to help improve the quality of life for homeless people in Skid Row have largely fallen on the shoulders of law enforcement in the area.  This resulted in many people bouncing back and forth between jail and the streets or simply being relocated to other areas without support to prevent their return.  For a short while the population of homeless decreased, but that was temporary and now it is estimated that nearly 1,700 people living in Skid Row have no fixed address.

The initiative starts this week and includes agencies such as the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, the Department of Health Services and Public Health, The Los Angeles Police Department, the Bureau of Sanitation and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.

Services being offered are aimed at improving the quality of life of people in the area in ways that are lasting.  The homeless population will no longer simply be arrested or moved, they will be given opportunities for health care, mental health care, substance abuse support and stable housing.  Officials intend to provide storage facilities for people to temporarily stash their belongings as they go through the process.

Also included are plans to clean up the area, provide extra trash pickup and better access to bathrooms.

The agencies involved have pledged to collect data meant to help monitor whether or not this new plan is working effectively. The data will serve to keep track of the progress of those going through the programs as well as to determine what needs are not being met.

Residents in the area say they feel reserved hopefulness regarding the changes. They know that many could benefit but worry the people running the efforts are not going to execute as promised.