Santa Monica Landlord Buys One-Way Flights for Homeless Amid LA Crisis

Santa Monica commercial property owner John Alle has begun offering homeless people one-way airline tickets out of Los Angeles at his own expense, saying the city’s escalating street encampments are hurting local businesses and public safety. Alle says two unhoused individuals have already accepted flights under the initiative, which he argues provides quicker relief than California’s broader homelessness programs. Governor Gavin Newsom has earmarked about $37 billion for housing and related services since taking office, but critics contend visible encampments have continued to grow across Los Angeles County. Advocacy groups warn that relocation programs can shift, rather than solve, homelessness if destination cities lack services, and emphasize that any transfers should be voluntary and accompanied by support plans. City officials have not publicly commented on Alle’s offer.