The homeless population in Los Angeles County has slightly decreased, according to the latest census released on Friday. As of 2024, the census estimates there will be 75,312 people experiencing homelessness, down 0.27% from 2023, City News Service reported.
Superintendent Katherine Burger responded to the results by stressing the urgency of addressing the crisis.
“This large number, and the finding that roughly a quarter of them self-identify as having a serious mental illness or substance use disorder, inspires a series of moral imperatives,” she said in an emailed statement.
Berger called on county and city leaders to “cut the red tape, build housing faster, and provide more mental health support and addiction treatment.” His statement stressed the need for a multifaceted approach to tackling homelessness.
The superintendent also cited a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding homeless camps.
“The Supreme Court’s decision gives local governments the power to exercise prudent judgment about when to apply enforcement measures,” Burger wrote.
While Berger argued that it is wrong to criminalize homelessness, she stressed the importance of having the tools to effect change. She called for a balanced approach to enforcement that allows communities to reclaim public spaces taken over by encampments.
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority reported that countywide, unsheltered homelessness decreased by 5.1%, while the number of shelters increased by 12.7%. In the city of Los Angeles, unsheltered homelessness decreased by 10.7%, while shelter occupancy increased by 17.7%.
LAHSA attributes the trend to “unprecedented policy coordination and investment” from multiple levels of government, said Paul Rubenstein, LAHSA’s vice president of external relations. He expressed cautious optimism about the direction of homelessness across the county.
Mayor Karen Bass hailed the results, saying, “We have changed the trajectory of this crisis and set Los Angeles in a new direction.” She stressed that the progress marks a beginning, not an end.
County Supervisor Janice Hahn noted the importance of reducing homelessness and increasing shelter use. “We’re really focused on shelters and trying to increase our efforts to convince people to go into shelters,” she said.
The survey found that chronic homelessness, veteran homelessness and transition-age youth homelessness declined, but family homelessness increased slightly by 2.2 percent, even though many families are now living in temporary housing.
Berger stressed the importance of cooperation between the county and its cities to effectively address homelessness: “Homelessness is not an issue that can be easily glossed over,” he said, calling for a unified approach.
As Los Angeles grapples with this ongoing crisis, leaders have emphasized the need for continued efforts in housing construction, mental health supports, and balanced enforcement strategies. While the slight decline in overall homelessness is a ray of hope, significant challenges remain.
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