Shelter had half of its court-ordered beds

[Shelter, from B1]

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A VIEW of Urban Alchemy's homeless site along South Central Avenue in South L.A. in 2023, with beds in tents under a $2.3-million pact.

(JAY L. CLENDENIN Los Angeles Times)

tinez should disregard that and not report this to the court?” he asked the attorneys representing the city.

A spokesman for Urban Alchemy said it removed the tents after being put on notice by the city in April 2024 that budget cuts were coming. As a result, the contract for the 2024-25 year was reduced to $2.3 million from $3.1 million. L.A. City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo did not immediately respond to a Times email asking for an explanation.

“Urban Alchemy’s No. 1 priority is providing the highest level of services for our guests,” the spokesman said. “At this site in particular, given the resources provided, we have consistently helped as many guests as possible have a safe place to sleep and get better connected to services and support.”

After the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority renewed the $2.3-million contract for 88 beds for this fiscal year in May, LAHSA spokesman Ahmad Chapman said the city reduced the contract budget to $1.2 million for 46 spaces. Those terms came into effect in July.

“The decision was ultimately made by the City,” Chapman said in an email.

But the shelter was at the reduced level long before LAHSA approved the 88-bed contract in May.