Tag

Homeless Population

All articles tagged with #homeless population

health2 years ago

"Denver's Record-Breaking Spike in Drug Overdose Deaths"

Denver experienced its highest number of drug overdose deaths in a century, with 522 fatalities in 2023, a 15% increase from the previous year. Fentanyl was involved in about 40% of the deaths, and homeless individuals accounted for 38% of the fatalities. The crisis has prompted officials to take action, including heightened felony charges for fentanyl possession and distribution, and the implementation of programs to address addiction and provide opioid antagonists. The city's health department plans to test wastewater for fentanyl and other substances to better understand drug use patterns and aid in prevention efforts.

crime2 years ago

"Homeless Communities on Edge as Serial Killer Targets Las Vegas and Los Angeles"

The Las Vegas homeless population expresses safety concerns as the Las Vegas Metro Police Department continues to search for a gunman who shot five homeless people, killing one and seriously injuring another. Homeless individuals in the area report experiencing violence and hate, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding. Advocates for the homeless stress the importance of affordable housing options and addressing the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness.

mental-healthhomelessness2 years ago

"Gov. Newsom's Mental Health Law: A Game-Changer for California's Homeless Crisis"

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new law expanding the conservatorship system to mandate medical treatment for individuals with untreated mental disorders, specifically targeting the homeless population. The law broadens the definition of those who can't care for themselves to include those with untreated addictions or mental health disorders. While homeless service organizations are still learning how this law will be implemented, it won't be enforceable until 2024, with the option for counties to wait until 2026 to enforce it, allowing more time for adaptation.

housing-crisis2 years ago

"LA Officials Brace for Surge in Evictions as Pandemic Rent Deadline Looms"

The deadline for Los Angeles renters to repay back rent missed during the COVID-19 pandemic has passed, and officials fear a surge in homelessness as the eviction moratorium expires. Many tenants owe significant amounts of back rent, with the average monthly rent in Los Angeles now nearly $3,000. The situation is not limited to Los Angeles, as eviction protections in Hawaii, New York, Maryland, Minnesota, and Illinois are also set to expire in August.

health2 years ago

"Manchester Faces Alarming Surge in Weekly Overdoses, Reaching Record Highs"

Manchester is experiencing a spike in non-fatal overdoses, with at least 11 cases reported between Friday and Saturday. Most of the overdoses occurred in the center of the city, particularly around Hanover Street, and the majority of the cases on Saturday affected the homeless population. This is close to being the largest number of overdoses in one week since 2021. Manchester police are monitoring the situation in real time to increase outreach, education, and support services in the impacted areas.

fire2 years ago

Abandoned Portland bar taken over by squatters burns down.

A former tavern in Portland, which had been taken over by squatters for over a year, went up in flames. The property owners had filed a demolition permit in February, but were still waiting for city approval. Firefighters had responded to eight fires at the location within the past year. There were no reported injuries, and the fire did not spread to any neighboring homes or buildings. At least five abandoned buildings have been the site of serious fires this year in Portland.