Across Los Angeles, tens of thousands of empty lots sit vacant. They’ve been there since the Watts Riots of 1965, and have become dumping grounds for trash, makeshift tent sites for the homeless, and are often vandalized.

Now, a growing array of citizens, contractors, and community activists are reimagining the ways the lots can be utilized—with solutions ranging from temporary housing sites to plots for shared gardens.

One of the first hurdles to addressing the issue was simply identifying it. For years, there was no central map or database that interested parties could use to locate (and subsequently develop) the vacant lots. That changed recently when Community Health Councils launched their project LA Open Acres.

The Open Acres project map came to fruition, partially courtesy of a collaboration with 596 acres, which has created similar database projects in other cities. A labeling project 596 acres orchestrated in New Orleans even contained information explaining who visitors could call for more information on the lots and leasing options.

The mapping initiative has led to progress, with parks and walking paths being developed on some of the lots. In South LA, Serenity Park is one such success story that came about through efforts by local activists and Community Health Councils. Meant to be utilized as a communal recreational space, the park has state-of-the-art play structures for children, and also houses exercise equipment for adults.

Read the full article about addressing homelessness in Los Angeles by Alexandra Frost at Sharable.