Councilmember Jan Perry says key to problem is permanent, supportive housing.

Forty-two percent of those living on Los Angeles streets are chronically homeless, an expert told a gathering of community representatives at a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday.

According to Councilmember Jan Perry the average homeless person lives on the streets for about eight years. “(Even) six months is too long,” she pointed out.

Downtown L.A., site of what is believed to be the nation’s largest homeless population, has been the subject of debate recently as government officials, the police, and service providers grapple with how to handle street-dwellers without violating their rights.

Permanent, supportive housing is the key, Perry believes. A panel of service providers and other experts outlined ongoing programs as well as long-term solutions to help end long-term homelessness in downtown L.A.

Carla I. Javits, president of the Corporation for Supportive Housing, noted, “There are dramatic, permanent solutions to homelessness.” She said that more money directed at such solutions will make a difference. “The business community, philanthropic institutions, government, and non-profit organizations need to work together.”

She asserted that “L.A. has not spent nearly as much as other places.”

Lisa Watson, executive director of the Downtown Women’s Center, runs a facility that houses 47 single, adult women whose average age is 55. Most of the women have some form of permanent disability and are receiving aid.

To address all their needs, said Watson, “We have to provide a full array of services. We have to provide primary care and counseling on site. We also have a drop-in center.” Some residents have diabetes or other illnesses, lack employable skills, are victims of domestic violence, or suffer from some form of mental illness.

The center’s goal is to give its residents self-dignity along with the time and ability to meet their needs. Perry championed a plan to increase the center’s capacity from 47 to 75 units.

Jeff Schaffer, an assistant vice president with the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, said his organization and its chief, Steve Hilton, made a commitment to create 1,000 new units of affordable housing and are currently at 780 units.

“We’re looking for ways to use our money as a platform (for other, long-term solutions),” Schaffer said.

Perry has seen positive action in recent weeks. “The County has stepped up (in helping people on the streets), and there’s a greater level of cooperation among agencies. The Sheriff’s Department is taking more responsibility in working with those who are being released (from jail).”

The drug epidemic, she added, “has taken its toll.”