The city council of Los Angeles, California and the County of Los Angeles passed a US $1.87 Billion plan to help get an estimated 40,000 homeless people off the streets.  LA County CEO Sachi Hamai says it is "the most serious humanitarian crisis confronting our county today".

Funding the plan is another matter.  There's $150 Million set aside for immediate use, but that leaves a giant funding gap.  "The real test for us isn't what we're approving today," said Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Bonin.  "The real test is going to be in the budget come April and May."

The need is clear.  The Los Angeles area has the highest number of chronically homeless people in the United States, according to the federal government.  The problem has become increasingly visible on Los Angeles streets, some of which are lined with tents where individuals and families are living rough.  The number of people living in tents, cars, and parks jumped up more than 13 percent from 2013 to 2105.

Under the plan, the city will develop a host of housing programs, create a citywide system of mobile showers and public restrooms, and allow overnight parking at designated sites for people who live in their vehicles.  The county will concentrate on programs to reduce homelessness, and providing for the health and welfare for the homeless.

But the bulk of the money will be spent on building or otherwise securing housing, both short- and long-term.

"This is not going to be cheap to fix," said Peter Lynn, executive director of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.  "But the plans lay out the road map to get us there."