A controversial AIDS charity seeks to acquire a Skid Row housing portfolio. State officials want to stop it
A controversial AIDS charity seeks to acquire a Skid Row housing portfolio. State officials want to stop it Los Angeles Times
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The AIDS Healthcare Foundation Emerges as Leading Bidder for Homeless Housing Developments in Skid Row
The Hollywood-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the world’s largest AIDS charity, has emerged as the leading bidder to take over a portfolio of homeless housing developments in Skid Row. The foundation aims to acquire properties owned by the Skid Row Housing Trust, which collapsed financially a year ago and is currently in receivership.
Proposed Acquisition and Concerns
The foundation has proposed paying $53 million for the first twelve buildings made available by the trust, which is the highest offer received. However, state housing officials have expressed concerns about the foundation’s track record as a landlord, citing problems detailed in a previous investigation by The Times. These concerns include issues with building maintenance and tenant safety.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The acquisition of these homeless housing developments aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals include:
- Goal 1: No Poverty – Providing housing for homeless individuals helps to alleviate poverty and improve living conditions.
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – The AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s focus on providing housing for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS contributes to better health outcomes and well-being.
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Acquiring and managing these properties in Skid Row contributes to creating sustainable and inclusive communities.
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaborating with the Skid Row Housing Trust and other stakeholders demonstrates the importance of partnerships in achieving the SDGs.
Potential Challenges
One potential challenge in the foundation’s bid to purchase the trust portfolio is the availability of social services. The city’s bidding qualifications require any purchaser to have a history of successfully operating supportive housing or partnering with a property management firm that does. The foundation does not currently provide services to tenants in most of its buildings, citing cost constraints.
Future Plans and Considerations
The final determinations on the sale of these properties rest with Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff. The City Council has discussed the receivership in a closed session hearing, and a decision about the buyers is expected within weeks. The city housing authority has also proposed a plan to take over any remaining properties from the receivership, stabilize them financially, and convert them into efficiency apartments. However, the city and state’s financial outlook may impact these plans.
Conclusion
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s bid to acquire homeless housing developments in Skid Row presents an opportunity to address homelessness and improve living conditions for vulnerable populations. However, concerns about the foundation’s track record as a landlord and the availability of social services need to be carefully considered. By aligning with the SDGs, this acquisition has the potential to contribute to the broader goal of sustainable and inclusive communities.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The article discusses issues related to poverty, healthcare, housing, and partnerships, which are all connected to the mentioned SDGs.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property.
- SDG 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.
- SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
- SDG 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
The targets mentioned above are relevant to the issues discussed in the article.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 1.4: Proportion of the population living below the national poverty line, by sex and age group.
- Indicator for SDG 3.3: Number of new HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected population, by sex, age, and key populations.
- Indicator for SDG 11.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.
- Indicator for SDG 17.17: Number of countries that have national statistical legislation that complies with the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics.
These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property. | Indicator: Proportion of the population living below the national poverty line, by sex and age group. |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases. | Indicator: Number of new HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected population, by sex, age, and key populations. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | Indicator: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing. |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships. | Indicator: Number of countries that have national statistical legislation that complies with the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics. |
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Source: latimes.com
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