Hollywood residents express concern homeless encampment near school and church may return after recent clean-up

Residents in a Hollywood neighborhood express concern that a homeless encampment near a church and a preschool, recently cleared by city workers, may return. The encampment, located on Wilton Place, had been blocking a sidewalk used by preschool children, prompting action from Los Angeles Sanitation workers on Wednesday. While the cleanup was welcomed by some, residents fear the area will quickly revert to its previous state.

The First Southern Baptist Church, situated across the street, has faced ongoing issues with vandalism, including stolen security cameras and broken windows. John Henyard, a deacon at the church, emphasized the need for safety for parents and children who use the sidewalk. “We still got summer school going, so the parents and the kids still need to be able to come down the sidewalk and be safe in the city,” he said.

Longtime resident Ramon Vaca, who has lived in Hollywood for 25 years, shared concerns about the encampment’s proximity to the school. “I’m concerned with their kids from the school, you know, where they have to go and walk in the street,” he said. Others, like Leigh Martin, highlighted the challenges of dealing with trash, drug use, and discarded needles in the area.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers had given notice to those living in the encampment on Tuesday, informing them of the impending cleanup. However, neighbors noted that such efforts are not new. “I have noticed the city has tried multiple times to clean up this certain area. It will stay clean for a week or two before they find their way back over here,” Martin said. “But they have tried their best to keep it clean, I will say that.”

Residents believe the encampment may return due to the availability of free weekly meals offered by the church. “If the homeless come to look for food in this area, they’re going to stay here,” Vaca said. The community remains vigilant, hoping for sustained progress in addressing the issue of housing insecurity and the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness.

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