By Brett Callwood
November saw RV encampment removals get underway in East Gardena, as the Harbor Gateway Chamber of Commerce (HGCC) stepped up their efforts to “create solutions that are reshaping the business corridors.”
31 individuals accepted housing, according to the HGCC’s community advocate David Matthews. In addition, 14 RV’s were removed from circulation.
“No one has ever been forcibly removed from any clean up,” Matthews told the GVN. “The outreach process typically begins 3 weeks prior to the clean up. Service providers along the Sheriff’s HOST team hit the streets daily preparing everyone for the clean up. These areas were the first locations designated as a ‘Pathway To Home’ program. Those living in the RVs have the opportunity to sign over the vehicle in exchange for housing.
“The majority of the RVs are being rented and are not operational or registered. As a chamber, we are working the streets reporting the hot spots, helping with resources and working with public works to identify the illegal dumping.”A statement on the HGCC website spells out the work involved: “Working with local businesses to secure locations for possible storage of RV’s prior to a clean up, organizing homeless outreach teams to help those in the RV’s and identifying locations for volunteer clean ups… The work is not easy. The work is hazardous. The work is making a difference.”
Back in September, the Chamber reported that a number of local businesses had complained about the growing number of homeless people and RVs “cluttering” the streets of Gardena.
“A meeting between local law enforcement, business owners and elected officials took place on Thursday to discuss health and safety worries and potential solutions to the crisis that is starting to affect the daily lives of people in the neighborhood,” KTLA reported at the time.
The efforts are ongoing.
