DOWNEY — Downey city council District 2 candidate Hector Sosa on Monday released a four-step plan to reduce homeless in Downey.

“As a DJAA coach, board member and Past President of Gangs Out Of Downey (GOOD), I've spent countless days and evenings at Apollo Park,” said Sosa. “It's a wonderful facility where kids and families can play sports, walk the trail, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the great outdoors.

“Unfortunately, over the past several years I've noticed a noticeable increase in the number of homeless people occupying the park. They sleep in the dugouts, damage the restroom facilities, and leave considerable trash for other people to clean up. It's not a safe situation for them or for the families trying to use the park. As taxpayers, we should be able to enjoy our public facilities without fear or intimidation.”

Sosa’s four-step plan includes:

Enforce Our Anti-Camping Laws: In Downey, it is illegal to sleep overnight in our parks and sidewalks. These laws were put in place for a reason - to protect people and maintain a high quality of life. I pledge to have Downey Police enforce these laws lawfully and consistently, so we can prevent Downey from becoming the next Skid Row.

Make the Homeless Aware of Available Resources: Downey is a compassionate city with an abundance of resources available to residents experiencing housing insecurity. Many local agencies are available to provide housing assistance, including The Whole Child, LAHSA, Kingdom Causes, and the TLC Family Resource Center, among others. Rancho Los Amigos hospital also provides transitional housing. With help available from these agencies, there's no reason we can't shelter every person in need of emergency housing.

Be Proactive: Let's help our families before they become homeless. Downey already has programs in place to support families facing eviction and/or foreclosure, but they don't do any good if families are not aware they exist.

Downey Is Not a Homeless Dumping Ground: Downey must make it clear that we will not tolerate being a dumping ground for homeless residents by L.A. County or the City of Los Angeles. Their failures are not Downey's responsibility to clean up. In Downey, we value safe, clean neighborhoods and I intend to keep it that way.

“I believe it's possible to have sympathy for our homeless neighbors while still prioritizing clean streets,” Sosa said. “Please vote for me, Hector Sosa, and together we can move Downey forward. You can always reach me by email at sosa4downey@gmail.com or visit my website for more information about my positions www.HectorSosaforDowney.com.”