Step Up Endorsed in LA Times editorial…AGAIN!

by the Los Angeles Times Editorial Board

Les Jones, 62, has been living in permanent supportive housing at Step Up on Second for 11 years. (Los Angeles Times Editorial Staff)

“Modern treatment of mental illness produces miracles. It literally saved my life,” says Step Up tenant and Board member, Les Jones in the Los Angeles Times editorial on February 28, 2018. The article is one in a series written by the editorial staff covering the Los Angeles homelessness crisis.

Les has been living at Step Up on Second for 11 years, is serving in his second term on Step Up’s Board of Directors, and runs the education program at Step Up on 5th’s Computer Learning Center. Les’ story is an example of how client-preferred services such as permanent supportive housing, vocational training, and member driven programs can lead to life in recovery.

The Los Angeles Times editorial points out how many of society’s current models are failing individuals with mental-health conditions, but also underlines the importance of permanent supportive housing by saying, “so the misery grows, even though, for many people, places like Step Up on Second would be a godsend.”

Step Up’s field tested, evidence-based model is changing the future for individuals experiencing mental health conditions and long-term homelessness.

Read the full editorial:  LA Times editorial featuring Les Jones.