Homeless Crisis
Los Angeles sees first drop in homeless population in years
This marks a significant shift from the previous trend of annual increases, including a 10% rise in 2023.
For the first time in years, Los Angeles has seen a slight decrease in its homeless population, according to the latest data from the 2024 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) reported a 2.2% drop in the city's homeless population, bringing the total to approximately 45,252 individuals.
The countywide figures also showed a slight decline, with a 0.27% decrease, resulting in a total of 75,312 homeless individuals. While these changes are within the margin of error and not statistically significant, they represent a hopeful sign for a city and county that have struggled with a growing homelessness crisis for over a decade.
One of the most notable aspects of the 2024 count is the 10.4% decrease in unsheltered homelessness within the city of Los Angeles. This reduction means fewer people are living on the streets, in tents, or in vehicles. Concurrently, the number of homeless individuals in shelters increased by 17.7%, indicating a successful transition from street living to temporary housing. Countywide, unsheltered homelessness decreased by 5.1%, while the sheltered population rose by 12.7%.
Paul Rubenstein, deputy chief external relations officer for LAHSA, attributed these shifts to "unprecedented policy alignment and investments" by various levels of government. Programs such as Mayor Karen Bass's Inside Safe initiative, which focuses on moving individuals from encampments to interim housing, have played a crucial role in these changes. The county's Pathway Home program, which provides services to homeless individuals in both interim and permanent housing, has also contributed to the positive trend.
Mayor Bass expressed optimism about the results, stating, "For so many years, the count has shown increases in homelessness, and we have all felt that in our neighborhoods. But we leaned into change. And we have changed the trajectory of this crisis and have moved L.A. in a new direction." She emphasized that this is just the beginning and that continued efforts are necessary to build on this progress.
Despite the positive developments, challenges remain. The root causes of homelessness, such as high housing costs, economic instability, and a shrinking social safety net, continue to exert pressure on the system. Paul Rubenstein highlighted the need for more affordable housing and economic stability to prevent homelessness from recurring.
The 2024 count also revealed a decrease in chronic homelessness, with a 6.8% reduction in individuals who have been homeless for a year or more while struggling with disabilities, health issues, or substance abuse problems. This decrease is a promising sign that targeted interventions are making a difference.
However, the count also showed a 2.2% increase in family homelessness, indicating that many families are still struggling to find stable housing. Among transition-age youth, those coming out of the foster system between the ages of 16-24, homelessness decreased by 16.2%, and veteran homelessness decreased by 22.9%.
The results of the 2024 count have prompted calls for continued and increased investment in both temporary and permanent housing solutions. Supervisor Janice Hahn noted, "For the first time in years, the number of people sleeping on our streets is down and the number of people in our shelters is up. We have focused on shelters and we are doing a better job convincing people to come inside. The next step is building more permanent supportive housing and investing in long-term solutions to this crisis."
As Los Angeles moves forward, the focus will be on maintaining the momentum gained from recent initiatives and addressing the systemic issues that contribute to homelessness. The slight decrease in the homeless population is a step in the right direction, but sustained efforts and comprehensive strategies will be essential to achieving long-term success in combating homelessness in the region.