New Initiative Launches in Skid Row to Address Homelessness
A new initiative is taking aim at one of the most challenging areas in the U.S.—Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles, which has been grappling with a significant homelessness crisis.
The initiative, spearheaded by a privately funded organization called New Era America, comes after three years of testing a mental health-first approach. Founder Samir Zakir emphasizes that many existing programs rush into housing placements rather than focusing on stabilizing individuals who have endured severe trauma or mental health issues.
“We help people heal their hearts and regain their humanity,” Zakir pointed out. “Without ensuring safety and security, making stable decisions becomes nearly impossible.”
Data from the 2025 Los Angeles metropolitan homeless count reveals that around 4,400 individuals experiencing homelessness are situated solely within Skid Row. More than half of these individuals are living in tents or makeshift shelters on the streets.
The situation is dire. Entire blocks overflow with tents, while sidewalks serve as makeshift bedrooms and kitchens. Public drug use is visible during daylight hours, and untreated mental illness persists in the area. Every day, a medical crisis plays out on these sidewalks.
Despite extensive public investment aimed at combatting homelessness, with billions allocated to shelters, outreach, and mental health services, thousands continue to live on the streets. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority oversees significant funding, with the county’s Skid Row Action Plan channeling about $280 million into local housing and healthcare expansion since 2022.
Zakir expresses a strong commitment to helping those facing instability. His organization aims to prioritize stability through initiatives called “Kindness Pop-ups.” Volunteers distribute supplies, gift cards, and help connect individuals with healthcare professionals. There’s also a 90-day program named Forward Step, providing transitional housing, licensed counseling, medical support, and specialized trauma care.
Registration for this program is voluntary, but participants must agree to follow a treatment plan, which may include medication if required. New Era America has reportedly helped 480 individuals from San Francisco to San Diego, primarily in Los Angeles. Out of this group, 12 have completed the 90-day program, and all currently have housing.
This total might seem small against the broader backdrop of over 75,000 homeless individuals in the county, yet Zakir sees it as a proof of concept. “We’re results-oriented, not driven by subsidy requirements,” he remarked.
This Saturday’s launch signifies the initiative’s first official foray into Skid Row, where volunteers will distribute supplies and begin registering participants. “This isn’t a press conference,” Zakir declared. “It’s an action.”
