The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority announced Monday it extended the application deadline for the L.A. Continuum of Care Board special election to fill three representative vacancies.
The extension was granted because the original deadline of Feb. 15 is Presidents Day and LAHSA’s office will be closed. People can now apply for the seats through 5 p.m. on Feb. 16.
A Continuum of Care is a regional planning body that coordinates housing and homeless services funding for families and individuals in need. LAHSA is the lead agency for the Los Angeles Continuum of Care, which includes all cities in L.A. County with the exception of Glendale, Long Beach and Pasadena.
The 17-member board gives advice to the LAHSA Commission and LAHSA staff regarding homeless assistance systems and policies and how they pertain to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Continuum of Care program.
Candidates for the three available seats cannot represent a homeless services provider, as the board already has eight homeless service provider representatives, which is the maximum number under its bylaws.
Board members should represent at least one constituent group, including but not limited to:
— individuals, youth and families who have experienced homelessness;
— faith-based organizations;
— public housing agencies;
— advocates;
— mental health agencies;
— health and public health agencies;
— hospitals or other federally qualified health centers;
— affordable housing developers;
— law enforcement;
— representatives of businesses and financial institutions; and
— rental property owners and managers.
The board hopes to have at least one of the seats filled with a person who has experienced homelessness themselves, particularly during the ages of 18-25. There is currently one member who experienced homelessness as an adult, and the bylaws require at least two of the 17 board members in that category.
Board members must demonstrate community commitment and actively participate in board meetings, discussions, activities, correspondence, sub-committees and ad hoc committees.
To apply for one of the seats, interested individuals can fill out the applications at bit.ly/2YzXFR9. Supporting documents can be sent to LAHSA by emailing LACoCBoard@lahsa.org or by faxing 213-892-0093 before 5 p.m. Feb. 16. People can also mail the documents to CoC Board Election c/o Ms. Jessica Reed, LAHSA, 811 Wilshire Blvd., 6th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017.
More information can be viewed at bit.ly/3tgsuZh.
The board will vote on nominees on March 10.