Chaos Ensues as LA Hotel Transforms into Homeless Shelter

The Mayfair Hotel in Los Angeles, once a symbol of elegance and charm, has been transformed into a scene of chaos and destruction.

This unfortunate transformation is the result of a federally funded initiative known as Project Roomkey. This aimed to convert hotels across California into temporary homeless shelters.

The Mayfair Hotel, for two years, participated in this initiative, a decision that has now resulted in an astounding $11.5 million in damages to their facility.

These damages, paid for by the hardworking taxpayers, include shattered windows, vandalized bathrooms, ruined carpets, and more.

Cheektowaga, NY – On 8/11/23, a thug Venezuelan migrant living in an upscale New York migrant hotel, arrested for RAPING a woman in front of her 3 yr old child.
The incident took place inside one of 3 hotels repurposed for housing migrants in Cheektowaga, a suburb of Buffalo. pic.twitter.com/bQkVr2wzan

— Dane (@UltraDane) August 12, 2023

Reports from social workers assigned to the hotel paint a grim picture of life inside the Mayfair. One social worker described a participant in 1516 who threatened staff, destroyed property, and caused havoc both inside and outside the building.

Another incident involved a male resident assaulting another resident in Room 726. These incidents, among others, were detailed in emails sent to the city of Los Angeles during the final six months of Mayfair’s participation in Project Roomkey.

These emails, obtained by The Times, depict a staff of security guards, nurses, hotel managers, and others grappling with drug overdoses, property damage, and what they characterized as aggressive and even violent behavior.

In one instance, a security guard wrote about a situation where a male resident assaulted another resident. The situation was quickly broken up and the aggressor was escorted out by police.

Despite the chaos and destruction, the city has quietly paid the hotel’s owner $11.5 million to resolve the damage claims. This hefty sum, footed by taxpayers, raises serious questions about the efficacy and management of Project Roomkey.

🍎🍴 Two upscale Danny Meyer restaurants, Marta and Maialino, are closing as NoMad host hotel houses migrants

“Disappointed” as The Redbury’s post-pandemic reopening is uncertain, added “admire and respect” hotel decision to shelter for migrants @USHGNYC https://t.co/fbPZNqTaL4

— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) August 15, 2023

The plan to make the temporary move to homeless housing permanent is also facing significant opposition from local residents.

Darlene Adderison, a 66-year-old neighbor, expressed her frustration to the Times, stating, “I don’t want them back in this neighborhood. I want my peace.”

This story serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls of government intervention. While the intention behind Project Roomkey may have been noble, its execution has left much to be desired.

It resulted in significant financial loss, disruption of peace in local communities, and failed to provide a sustainable solution to the homelessness crisis.

This article appeared in Watch Dog News and has been published here with permission.