Venice Neighborhood Council discussed where the storage container should go this year at there monthly meet last Tuesday. Right now it is located next to the paddle courts. It was opened approximately 16 December. It will run no longer than 1 March, which coincides with the closing of the winter shelter.

Most significant is the fact that this year homeless can use the container without going to the shelter. Last year they had to verify they had gone to shelter. This coincides with the “Warn, Bag, Tag, and Store” program.

This allowed use of the container without restrictions, according to Councilman Mike Bonin, ” will help people in need, will encourage more people to seek assistance, keep our streets and sidewalks blight-free, and it will protect the City legally”. The City will be able to go forward with the Warn, Bag, Tag, and Store.

The storage program is provided for homeless to store their belongings so they can go to a winter shelter. Belongings are limited to what one can put on his lap. The city is providing the storage container so as homeless who want to can use the shelter. There is a bus that picks up homeless and drives them to the shelter and drives them back in the morning.

The City of Los Angeles contracted with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) to provide temporary nighttime shelter from 1 December to 1 March. The program provides for shuttles that pick up homeless at designated stops at approximately 6 pm and return them to the same place at 6 am. The Westside location for the shelter is the National Guard Armory at Veterans Administration property on Wilshire and Federal.

Much consternation has been made regarding the placement of the storage container. Last Tuesday several places were considered for vote. The First Baptist Church on Westminster at 6th wanted the container stored on their property, in fact, the minister spoke at the meeting stating he had facilities to help people. The one most voted for by board members was the Westminster Senior Center just off Main Street. One board member brought up the fact that the container was there for a day last year and it was quickly removed because of the number of people who complained.

According to the minutes for the meeting, “Councilmember Bonin’s staff was in attendance, and will review the Board’s recommendations for feasibility, considering permitting, available space and other factors. The program will continue to operate out of the storage container behind the paddle tennis courts until a final decision is made.”