In the quiet city of Whittier, an intriguing story about the progress and challenges of homelessness has unfolded since 2018. Whittier Assistant City Manager Shannon DeLong played an integral role in the city’s homelessness action plan created that year.
Her efforts helped initiate a series of measures to support those affected by homelessness and the accompanying challenges and violence. A foundation of Whittier’s efforts has centered on the growing number of homeless shelters, resources, and housing capacity. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 took the nation by storm, prompting the city to open emergency shelters quickly.
These efforts were followed after the establishment of the New Navigation Center, run by the Salvation Army, which provides 139 beds and essential services. The Salvation Army has been vital to the homeless community, traditionally sheltering homeless individuals and providing meals. The center also offers case management, health resources, employment assistance, and counseling. This comprehensive approach aims to guide residents toward self-sufficiency.
Whittier has made significant strides in addressing homelessness by forming strong partnerships. The city collaborates with local nonprofits and organizations like the Salvation Army and Whittier First Day. The latter operates two interim sites, including the Whittier Housing Center, offering 45 beds and outreach, homelessness prevention, health, and various other services.
DeLong has served as Whittier’s Assistant City Manager since June 2018,
overseeing key developments, including establishing a temporary emergency homeless shelter and constructing the permanent Navigation Center. Under her leadership, Whittier has expanded public engagement programs, remodeled historic facilities, and secured millions in funding for local projects.
With nearly two decades of public service experience, including roles in Downey and at The Aerospace Corporation, DeLong holds a biology degree from UCLA and an MBA. She is actively involved in professional organizations such as ICMA, an organization of city and county managers, and the League of California Cities, all while contributing to various committees and initiatives. The UT Community News spoke to DeLong, a leading authority in the city, for a Q&A covering key aspects of Whittier’s Homelessness:
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What are the key achievements of Whittier’s Homeless Action Plan since its adoption in 2018?
The primary goal of the plan was to increase shelter and housing capacity in Whittier. The city has done both, first by opening an emergency shelter in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and then a permanent Navigation Center offering 139 beds. Thanks primarily to the Groves development, along with a few other projects in town, the city also added 240 housing units in the most recent housing cycle. In addition, permits were issued for 112 housing units during the previous calendar year.
How has the Whittier Navigation Center impacted homelessness in the city?
The Navigation Center addresses the city’s unsheltered homeless population and ensures that parks and public spaces are clean and available for all visitors and residents alike, regardless of housing status.
What challenges remain in addressing homelessness in Whittier?
The city council remains concerned that individuals who are experiencing severe mental illness and/or severe substance use disorders have been unable or unwilling to accept shelter services, leaving them exposed to significant risks without appropriate care and shelter.
What measures are being taken to ensure public safety while supporting unhoused residents?
City Net is contracted by Whittier to perform daily outreach throughout town and connect individuals experiencing homelessness to critical services, resources, and housing.
How has the city addressed violence linked to homelessness, if any?
The city fully funds the Whittier Navigation Center, at $2.3 million per year, to provide safe interim housing with a variety of supportive, wrap-around services for clients including counseling, referrals, and employment assistance.”
What are your future goals for reducing homelessness and violence in Whittier?
In the coming months, the Whittier City Council will hear a report from the Salvation Army on its statistics and successes since it began operations, first as an emergency shelter in 2020 and then as a permanent Navigation Center with wraparound services in 2021 and will likely provide further direction at that point.
