The agency tasked with addressing Los Angeles' homelessness crisis, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), operates from a high-end office in downtown Los Angeles. Its headquarters are located on the 10th floor of the AON Tower at 707 Wilshire Boulevard, a building that offers tenants access to amenities such as a chauffeur service with luxury vehicles, a private helipad, and a fitness center with an infrared sauna and cold plunge.
Tenants in the building have expressed surprise that a taxpayer-funded agency focused on homelessness is situated in such luxurious surroundings. The available perks include chauffeur-driven Maybachs and Cadillac Escalades, along with discounted helicopter trips to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The building's parking garage offers valet service, a carwash, and electric vehicle charging stations.
LAHSA's budget has been significantly reduced, with a planned cut from $829 million to $496 million for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Approximately 73% of this budget is funded by the City of Los Angeles, with the remainder coming from county, state, and federal sources.
The agency has faced increasing criticism regarding its financial management. In June, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development suspended LAHSA from federal grant activities. This suspension followed an investigation by HUD's inspector general into allegations of false statements, financial management failures, and inadequate conflict-of-interest safeguards. Over the past five years, nearly $1 billion in federal money has been allocated to the Los Angeles Continuum of Care, which includes LAHSA.
LAHSA has responded to these criticisms by stating that it is addressing or has already corrected many of the identified problems. The agency has also warned that disrupting federal funding could negatively impact housing assistance for thousands of Los Angeles residents.
Pressure is also mounting from local entities. The Los Angeles County is diminishing LAHSA's role as it develops its own homelessness department. Mayor Karen Bass has also voiced significant concerns about the agency and has previously directed the city to explore alternatives to its current operational model.
Official figures from July indicate that there are 73,040 individuals experiencing homelessness across Los Angeles County, with 45,194 of those within the city limits.
The California Post reported on the agency's office amenities and sought details on LAHSA's lease and operating expenses, including parking, fit-out, and furniture costs, through a Public Records Act request filed on July 27. The agency requested a 14-day extension to respond to this request.