LA County Reports Second Consecutive Year of Homelessness Declines, Cuts Ties with City of LA

Key Takeaways

Los Angeles County saw a 4% decline in homelessness, with 72,308 unhoused individuals, and unsheltered homelessness decreased by 9.5%.
Permanent housing placements reached a record 27,994, marking a 2.5% increase from the previous year.
A new Department of Homeless Services and Housing will launch in 2026, shifting homeless services from a long-standing partnership with the City of Los Angeles.

Decline in Homelessness in Los Angeles County

The Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count revealed a continuing decline in homelessness for the second consecutive year. The homeless population in Los Angeles County fell by 4%, totaling 72,308 individuals, while unsheltered homelessness saw a significant 9.5% reduction. This downward trend follows a slight drop of 0.27% last year.

Alongside these reductions, permanent housing placements reached a record high of 27,994 in 2024, a 2.5% increase from the previous year. These advancements are attributed to local programs, including Inside Safe and Pathway Home, which have effectively transitioned people from the streets into shelters or permanent homes.

The latest report coincides with the establishment of a new Department of Homeless Services and Housing, which aims to consolidate efforts to combat homelessness. This department is scheduled to launch in January 2026, succeeding a 32-year relationship with the City of Los Angeles. The county plans to allocate $300 million generated from a new half-cent sales tax to this initiative, enhancing accountability and service delivery for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Los Angeles County faces a significant portion of the nation’s homelessness crisis, accounting for a quarter of the country’s homeless population. Despite the nationwide increase in homelessness, the county has recorded improvements. LA County Chair Pro Tem Hilda Solis highlighted the role of coordinated efforts among service providers in achieving these results.

The City of Los Angeles also reported a decrease in homelessness for the second straight year, with a 3.4% drop to 43,699 individuals, including a 7.9% reduction in unsheltered homeless populations. However, city officials expressed concern over the transition to the new department. Mayor Karen Bass and City Council Member Nithya Raman warned that disrupting the existing system could potentially worsen the crisis instead of resolving it.

Currently, the county and city maintain a financial partnership in the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), with the county contributing 40% of its budget and the city 35%. This joint effort has faced criticism for meeting outreach goals and managing leadership transparency.

Mayor Bass has also voiced opposition to a state budget proposal that would limit funding for the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention program. She emphasized the importance of maintaining progress in reducing homelessness, especially as federal housing assistance remains uncertain.

The combined efforts of new programs and structural shifts aim to reinforce the fight against homelessness in one of the areas most impacted by this ongoing crisis.

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