The homeless population in the City of Baldwin Park decreased by 50% between January 2020 and February 2022, according to point-in-time homeless count data released by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) on September 8.
Baldwin Park counted 275 homeless individuals during the 2022 point-in-time homeless count held in February, a sharp decrease from the 556 individuals counted in 2020. The City reported 263 homeless individuals in 2019 and 288 homeless persons in 2018, according to LAHSA. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented a 2021 homeless count.
“I’m extremely encouraged by the significant decrease in homelessness in Baldwin Park,” said Baldwin Park Mayor Emmanuel J. Estrada. “Ending homelessness in Baldwin Park is our City’s priority and our shrinking homeless population reaffirms the effectiveness of our many housing and homelessness initiatives, from the rapid development of transitional housing to financial assistance for renters and everything in-between.”
The Baldwin Park City Council through bold policy decisions and investments bolstered the social safety net for many Baldwin Park residents struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last November, Baldwin Park opened Esperanza Villa, a 25-bed tiny home village for unhoused individuals and the San Gabriel Valley’s first tiny home village. Esperanza Villa, which has already transitioned five residents into permanent housing, is a model for how cities can expand emergency non-congregate shelter services in their communities.
Following its own example, Baldwin Park further expands its commitment to finding shelter for families in need as it prepares to open Serenity Homes, the City’s second tiny home village, which will include 50 transitional housing units for families and open on September 24. Earlier this year, the City purchased the 28,000 sq. ft. property that will become the site of Serenity Homes. San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust (SGVRHT) provided funding to construct the tiny home community.
Funding from the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG), LAHSA and the American Rescue Plan Act (APRA) will enable experienced homeless services provider City Net to operate the tiny home village and connect neighbors experiencing homelessness to transformative care and innovative housing solutions. The new tiny home village will provide family counseling, food assistance, medical and mental health assessments, job placements and more services to future tenants.
The Baldwin Park City Council continues to play a central role in strengthening regional partnerships that serve homeless people and people at risk of homelessness in Baldwin Park. The City directs federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to East San Gabriel Valley Coalition for the Homeless, Domestic Violence Advocate, Church of the Redeemer Food Bank and Oath for County Foundation, all of which provide important services to homeless individuals in Baldwin Park. Meanwhile, HOME Investment Partnership Program funding will soon create homeownership opportunities thanks to an agreement between the City and San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity to implement a program to acquire and rehabilitate housing in Baldwin Park.
As part of the Mid-Valley Collaborative on Homelessness, Baldwin Park, in collaboration with the cities of South El Monte and El Monte, also developed a five-year homeless plan to coordinate local efforts to respond to homelessness. The plan positions Baldwin Park and its neighbors to access funding and participate in activities that help prevent people from becoming homeless, expand access to workforce development programs and explore opportunities to increase the number of affordable and supportive housing units. The three cities have already received $1,074,820 through the Los Angeles County Measure H Homeless Implementation Plan to increase the supply of interim and permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness through the following activities.
To create systematic change, Baldwin Park has also invested in developing action plans that address barriers to affordable housing development. Through policies that intend to overcome barriers in zoning, property acquisition and other areas, Baldwin Park has charted a course to create more affordable housing in its effort to end homelessness in Baldwin Park.
To learn more about the City’s housing action plan, visit baldwinpark.com.
About the City of Baldwin Park
Baldwin Park is a nearly seven-square-mile, suburban community of 72,000 residents in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley. As the hub of the San Gabriel Valley, Baldwin Park is known for its ease of access and mobility, young and diverse residents, and vibrant, growing business community. For more information, visit baldwinpark.com or follow Baldwin Park on Facebook (@BaldwinParkCAGov), Instagram (BaldwinPark_CAGov), and Twitter (BaldwinParkCA_).