Deconflating L.A.’s Homeless and Mental Health Crises

Jun 06, 2023

Two separate and critical crises—mental health and homelessness—often reveal their urgency most when they intersect. How does L.A.’s housing shortage exacerbate challenges for those with severe mental illness? How does a lack of access to mental health treatment lead to increased homeless populations? Anna Scott, journalist and creator of the KCRW podcasts Samaritans and City of Tents, speaks with Jon Sherin, former director of the L.A. County Department of Mental Health, Pete White, executive director of the Los Angeles Community Action Network (LA CAN), and Dora Leong Gallo, President & CEO of A Community of Friends (ACOF), about the obstacles faced by these communities and the policies that could help.