Council Approves Formation of Social Services Commission
Last Tuesday the City Council approved the creation of a new Social Services Commission that is intended to address issues relating to veterans, the city’s homeless population, special needs youth, and intellectually challenged adults. The cost for the new Commission is $15,000 per year.
The Commission will serve as a resource for veterans to find the services they need and will help veterans find employment by advertising for job fairs and other events. The Commission will also address issues veterans have with healthcare, mental health, and homelessness.
New statistics quoted in the staff report put LA County’s homeless population at an estimated 45,000 individuals. This rise in the homeless population in surrounding cities could impact Torrance even though a recent survey only showed approximately 50 homeless individuals in the City.
The Commission will act as a interface with the Torrance Police Department to assist and provide information to the homeless population and address their needs. The Commission may also act as a sounding board for the community to become more educated about how to address homelessness.
Councilman Griffiths expressed strong support for the Commission at the meeting noting that he thought it would be a “fabulous benefit to our community.” Mayor Furey echoed that sentiment stating that he was really proud of this and that he envisioned that an overwhelming amount of people would apply for the Commission spots.
The Commission will meet once a month on the fourth Thursday and like other City Commissions will likely be comprised of 7 members with appointments made by the City Council this January. Interested parties will need to complete a Commissioner Certification Program provided through the City Clerk’s office. The last training of this year is scheduled for Tuesday evening, September 29th.
The commission should be made up of veterans. I believe you, Clint are one. Let’s see if the “Torrance Way” will get out of the way and you can be appointed. BTW this new commission is probably in response to the federal grant money that was just made available contingent upon how cities treat their homeless. L A just announced a new $100 million fund for the homeless. Funny how that works.
Torrance is great at picking up every penny they find on the ground the issue is at what cost to the city!!! That’s never on the staff report!
The commission should be made up of the most qualified people, if they are veterans, great. But this group will serve others besides veterans. I would like to see some parents of special needs children in that group. Maybe someone with a background in working with homeless people.
Let’s have a well-rounded group that can serve the diverse needs this commission calls for.