HUD halts funding for LA housing agency as homeless units sit one-third vacant

A signature homelessness initiative championed by Mayor Karen Bass is facing mounting scrutiny after hundreds of taxpayer-funded apartments meant for homeless residents sat empty while public agencies continued paying rent. At the same time, federal authorities froze funding for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority alleging financial mismanagement. More than one-third of the units in the city’s master leasing program were vacant as of mid-May, with more than 250 residences gathering dust, LAist reported. The master leasing program — a cornerstone of Bass’ effort to rapidly expand housing options for homeless Angelenos — involves public agencies leasing entire apartment buildings […]

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