Palmdale Code Enforcement Officer Goes Extra Mile to Secure Housing for Unhoused Resident

Palmdale, CA - In a heartening display of community care, a recent encounter between a Palmdale Code Enforcement Officer and an unhoused individual resulted in a positive outcome.

On April 3, a diligent Code Enforcement Officer, Los Angeles Sherriff's Department personnel, and a City maintenance crew encountered an unhoused man near the Antelope Valley Country Club. The individual found himself without a place to go and in need of help.

Understanding the urgency of the situation, the Code Enforcement Officer immediately sprang into action. Several phone calls were made in an attempt to secure assistance. Regrettably, outreach teams and shelter beds were scarce that day. However, the officer persevered and submitted a request to the Los Angeles Homeless Outreach Portal (LA-HOP).

In less than 24 hours, Rebecca Springer of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) responded to the request. Without delay, the Code Enforcement Officer escorted her to the area where the man was last seen.

To everyone's relief, the man was still in the vicinity. Grateful for the support, he expressed his interest in finding stable housing. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of all involved, a bed was secured for him at the Volunteers of America shelter that evening.

Despite initial apprehension about entering a shelter for the first time, the Public Safety team reassured him by explaining the shelter's operations. With newfound hope, the individual gathered his belongings and was safely transported to the shelter.

"In Palmdale, care and compassion are not just words, but actions that define us as a community," said Mayor Austin Bishop. "As we continue our efforts to support those experiencing homelessness, I'd like to thank our diligent code enforcement officers and Public Safety team for their proactive responses and support in protecting all people who call Palmdale home."

For more information about Palmdale's Public Safety department, please visit www.CityOfPalmdaleCA.gov/PS.