Los Angeles Sees First Decline in Homeless Population in Years

June 29, 2024

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Homeless Population: Progress in Reducing Brings Hope to the City

Homeless man of Los Angeles — Homeless man

Encouraging Trends in Homelessness Data

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) has released the results of its 2024 Homeless Point-In-Time Count, offering a hopeful sign for a city and county dedicated to solving its homelessness issue. The count reveals that Los Angeles County has 75,312 unhoused individuals, with 45,252 residing within the city. These numbers reflect a slight decrease of 0.3% for the county and 2.2% for the city compared to last year.

This decline in the homeless population is a significant milestone for Los Angeles, a city that has struggled with a rising number of unhoused individuals for many years. The slight decreases may not seem substantial at first glance, but they represent a pivotal shift in the battle against homelessness.

Optimism and Progress

According to Va Lecia Adams Kellum, CEO of LAHSA, the figures from this year’s homeless count give reason to be optimistic about the direction of efforts across L.A. County. Although the overall decrease may seem small, there have been significant improvements in specific areas. Los Angeles saw a 10% reduction in its street homeless population, the largest drop in nine years, and a 38% decrease in makeshift shelters.

These statistics suggest that the strategies implemented to address homelessness are beginning to yield results. Various initiatives and programs focused on providing shelter and support services to the unhoused population are making a difference. The reduction in the number of people living on the streets is particularly noteworthy, as it points to the effectiveness of outreach programs designed to bring individuals into safer, more stable environments.

Mayor Karen Bass emphasized that for many years, the count has shown increases in homelessness, impacting neighborhoods. By embracing change, the city has altered the course of this crisis, moving L.A. in a new direction. The mayor expressed confidence in the city’s ability to achieve goals by challenging the status quo, setting politics aside, and working together.

The collaborative efforts between city officials, non-profit organizations, and community groups have been crucial in addressing the homeless population. The commitment to innovative solutions and a willingness to adapt strategies based on what works best have played significant roles in this progress.

Homeless people on the road of Los Angeles — Homeless people on the road

Efforts and Future Steps

The count, conducted over three days in January, included those living on the streets, in vehicles, tents, and makeshift shelters. This comprehensive approach ensures that all segments of the homeless population are accounted for, providing a more accurate picture of the situation.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, representing District 4, noted that for the first time in years, the number of people sleeping on the streets is down, and the number in shelters is up. By prioritizing shelters, the city has become better at persuading people to come inside. The next step involves building more permanent supportive housing and investing in long-term solutions.

Permanent supportive housing is essential for ensuring that those who have been brought off the streets can maintain stable housing. This type of housing provides not only a roof over one’s head but also access to vital services such as healthcare, job training, and mental health support. These services are critical for helping individuals reintegrate into society and avoid returning to homelessness.

Moreover, investing in affordable housing is a long-term strategy that addresses one of the root causes of homelessness. By increasing the availability of affordable housing, the city can prevent more people from becoming homeless in the first place.

Mixed Reactions to Supreme Court Ruling

In a related development, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that local governments can enforce bans on unhoused individuals sleeping in outdoor spaces. This ruling has elicited mixed reactions.

California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that the ruling removes the legal ambiguities that prevented lawmakers from clearing unsafe encampments. However, Mayor Bass expressed concern, stating that the ruling will neither work nor save lives and must not be used as an excuse to arrest the way out of this problem.

The Supreme Court ruling has brought attention to the ongoing debate over how best to address the homeless population. While some view the ruling as a necessary step to ensure public safety and health, others argue that it criminalizes homelessness and does not provide real solutions to the underlying issues.

Enforcement of bans on sleeping in outdoor spaces without providing adequate shelter options could lead to further marginalization of the homeless population. Instead, a focus on providing housing and supportive services is essential for creating lasting change.

Photo of a Homeless Man Sleeping Near a Cardboard Sign — Homeless Man Sleeping Without Food

Looking Ahead

These updates underscore the ongoing challenges and efforts in addressing homelessness in Los Angeles, emphasizing the need for collaborative and long-term solutions. The decline in the homeless population is a positive sign, but much work remains to be done.

Los Angeles must continue to build on the progress made, ensuring that the strategies and programs in place are scalable and sustainable. By prioritizing the needs of the homeless population and fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation, the city can move closer to solving this complex issue.

The future of Los Angeles’ homeless population depends on the continued dedication of all stakeholders involved. With a concerted effort, the city can create a more inclusive, supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

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