A New Look at Skid Row Care Campus

Location & Purpose
The Skid Row Care Campus sits on Crocker Street in downtown Los Angeles. Built with county funds, it offers showers, laundry, short‑term beds, and health services aimed at reducing drug harm. County documents show the campus costs roughly $26 million per year and is managed by multiple health organizations.

Rising Concerns
Despite its noble goals, the campus has become a flashpoint for violence and drug use. Police data reveal:

• ~700 calls in one year (≈ 6 per day)
• 4 deaths on the two‑block area in the first four months of 2026

Residents and business owners report daily issues: open‑air drug use, fights, fires, and animal cruelty. Some demand county intervention similar to that for private nuisance businesses.

City Response
Mayor and a councilmember acknowledge safety worries but emphasize the campus is county‑run. They stress its mission: to provide dignity and services, not criminalize poverty.

Broader Debate
The campus illustrates the larger conflict over homelessness and drug addiction policy. Advocates view harm‑reduction centers as solutions, while critics fear they can spawn new problems if poorly managed. The county claims increased security and outreach, yet community pressure remains intense.