One of the things I like about Whittier is that, unlike most cities, Whittier's leadership has actively worked towards helping unsheltered people rather than just pushing them out. Remember, the Boise decision prevents cities from clearing public land unless they can provide shelter to all. As a result, in the years leading up to the pandemic, there were many encampments in parks and medians. But when the pandemic hit, and seniors could not safely congregate at the Senior Center, the city opened it up as a homeless shelter (with some NIMBY objections but it worked out). After that, the local Salvation Army stepped up to help as well. Whittier is a community of caring, outreach, love and inclusion.
