LAHSA Begins 2024 Homeless Count

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority has begun its annual homeless count this week. 

After the LA City Council declared the week ‘Homeless Week 2024’, the count will span from January 23-25. 

What are the Details? 

The annual homeless count conducted by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority begins today. 

With the help of thousands of volunteers, the department will count the number of people experiencing homelessness around the city and county of Los Angeles. 

With the pressing focus on lowering homelessness in the Greater Los Angeles Area, and increasing services and shelter options, the count is critical. 

If you would like to volunteer, click here. 

Last Year’s Homeless Count

Los Angeles County’s homeless population rose to 75,518, while the City of LA’s population increased to 46,260 in 2023. 

Despite record investment and attention in the crisis over the past few years, the count showed that homelessness continues to rise in Southern California. However, it was a marginally smaller increase than in past years. 

Los Angeles County and City also saw a much smaller increase than many major cities, such as Chicago and Portland, where homelessness grew by 57% and 20%, respectively.

In addition, it saw a smaller rise in homelessness than other places in Southern California, such as San Bernadino and San Diego, where homelessness increased by 26% and 22%, respectively. 

The 2023 homeless count took place in January of 2023.

What Should We Look For in This Year’s Count?

With Mayor Bass making homelessness her top priority as mayor so far, there is hope that the investment and programs created under her will spawn results. 

While last year’s homeless count showed a slower growth than years past, officials hope to see a decrease in the total unsheltered population. 

We’ll update you when the results are announced later this year. 

Until then, subscribe to BOMA on the Frontline for the latest news in the Greater Los Angeles Area.