After a month-long delay due to wildfires, Los Angeles County volunteers took to the streets Tuesday night to conduct the annual homeless count.
This critical survey aims to assess the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to address homelessness, especially as local leaders face increasing scrutiny over their handling of both the homeless crisis and the recent wildfire disaster.
Homelessness in LA: Progress or Stagnation?
2024 LA County Homeless Count (Including LA City):
- 75,312 homeless residents – 0.3% decrease from the previous year.
2024 LA City Homeless Count:
- 45,252 homeless individuals – 2.2% decrease from 2023.
Mixed Reactions on Mayor Karen Bass’ Efforts
“The sad part is that all of this perfect storm has hit, the fire and the destruction,” said longtime LA politician Zev Yaroslavsky.
- Yaroslavsky acknowledges Bass and the City Council have made progress in reducing street homelessness.
- But he warns that public confidence hinges on continued momentum and competence.
The Real Challenge: Treatment Over Temporary Housing
Mark Hood, CEO of the Union Rescue Mission on Skid Row, argues that while housing initiatives help, they fail to address root causes like addiction and mental health issues.
“If you just move people from a sidewalk to a hotel room, you really didn’t address the issue that got them there to begin with,” Hood said.
Accountability Concerns: Where Is the Money Going?
- Billions of dollars have been spent on homelessness solutions.
- State auditors report difficulty tracking how funds are being used.
- Some leaders are calling for the dismantling of the LA Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) due to concerns over inefficiency.
