54% of LA County Fires Caused by Homeless

Los Angeles is set ablaze up to 24 times a day. The cause? Thousands of homeless encampments...

This year, fires started in homeless encampments have accounted for 54 percent of the blazes battled by the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), according to officials—a sharp uptick compared to 2020.

As the county grapples with more than 66,000 people living on its streets, critics are pointing to the growing number of fires caused by the homeless as another indication that officials are mishandling the crisis. And in parts of the city where the homeless are concentrated, residents and business owners say their concerns are not being heard.

LAFD Capt. Erik Scott told The Epoch Times that potential hazards in encampments come from warming and cooking fires, particularly on cold nights.

Here are a few of the larger fires in LA caused by the homeless. 

What are Homeless Hotel Vouchers & How Can You Get Them?

Homeless hotel vouchers are temporary assistance programs that provide housing for homeless individuals or families in hotels or motels. The vouchers are typically funded by government agencies or nonprofit organizations and are designed to provide emergency shelter to those who do not have a safe and stable place to live.

The vouchers are often provided to individuals or families who are experiencing homelessness due to a natural disaster, domestic violence, or other unforeseen circumstances. The length of the voucher varies but generally lasts for a few weeks to a few months. During this time, the individual or family can work with case managers to find a more permanent housing solution.

While homeless hotel vouchers provide a short-term solution to homelessness, they are not a permanent solution. Individuals and families who receive the vouchers must still work to address the root causes of their homelessness and find a stable, long-term housing solution.

The availability of emergency hotel vouchers may vary depending on your location and the resources available in your community. However, here are a few resources that you can explore:

1. Contact your local government: Many cities and counties have programs that offer emergency hotel vouchers to those who are experiencing homelessness. You can contact your local Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office or your local Department of Social Services to inquire about these programs.
2. Reach out to non-profit organizations: Non-profit organizations such as the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, or the Red Cross may provide emergency shelter services or assistance with obtaining hotel vouchers. You can search for these organizations online or contact them directly to see if they offer this type of assistance.
3. Contact homeless shelters: Homeless shelters may offer emergency hotel vouchers for individuals or families who are in immediate need of shelter. You can search for homeless shelters in your area or contact your local United Way for a list of available resources.

It's important to note that emergency hotel vouchers are typically reserved for individuals or families who are in immediate need of shelter and have no other options. You may be required to provide documentation to prove your need and eligibility for the voucher.