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Residents describe confusion over HMIS matching, security searches and food at Project Homekey site
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Summary
Staff briefed the subcommittee on resident feedback from a Project Homekey listening session at a motel conversion (73 units). Residents raised concerns about search procedures, food quality, hygiene, and unclear HMIS matching that limits housing placements.
Housing staff reported findings from a March 5 resident listening session for a Project Homekey motel conversion on Sepulveda Boulevard and outlined follow-up steps staff will take.
"The site is a motel conversion on Sepulveda Boulevard, total of 73 units with 38 interim and 35 permanent supportive housing units," Dr. Dan, who led the session, told the subcommittee.
Staff described on-site services provided by Exodus Recovery — case management, mental health support, medication support, 24/7 security and daily meals on the interim side — and summarized recurring resident concerns: unclear HMIS/LASHA matching and prioritization, restrictions and searches at interim sites that some residents find intrusive, food quality and availability, and worries about program stability.
Residents who spoke directly to the subcommittee described operational problems. Ishmael Rahim, a Paradise Inn interim resident, said the site had mold and bed‑bug issues and questioned why matches had not come through despite being "document ready." A different resident said searches and room checks can be triggering for people with prior incarceration histories. Sebastian Hernandez asked that staff clarify what counts as a prohibited item after citing cases where a dog prong collar or a single bullet were treated as weapons.
Staff acknowledged the concerns and listed follow-up actions: increase coordination with LAHSA and Exodus on matching procedures and prioritization; expand resident listening sessions to other sites; review Exodus case-management practices; continue dialogue with on-site security staff to reduce friction; and monitor food service quality.
Staff also noted an operational trade-off: interim units use searches and room checks to prevent contraband, while permanent units have fewer on-site searches because they are residents’ private living spaces. The subcommittee asked staff to return with clearer documentation of site-specific rules and the rationale for provider policies.
The subcommittee directed staff to expand listening sessions and return with clarifying materials about HMIS matching, provider roles, and security and food standards.
