For decades, incarceration has been the county's default response to people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and unmet treatment needs. Forty-three percent of people currently detained have a diagnosed mental health condition, the majority of whom could be diverted into existing alternatives to incarceration like community-based supportive housing if those programs were properly funded and scaled to increase capacity. If we work together, change is possible. Just last week, Vera and the California Endowment brought together over 200 county and community leaders to push forward life-saving reforms—and make it possible for facilities like MCJ to close at last. Join Vera in urging the LA County Board of Supervisors to close MCJ and end the historic reliance on jail that has taken countless lives. In solidarity, Michelle — Michelle Parris Director, Vera California Vera Institute of Justice |
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