Los Angeles is facing a resurgence in homelessness, with shocking new figures set to reveal a significant spike in the homeless population and those living unsheltered. This development comes despite the city and county collectively pouring nearly $3 billion each year into a wide array of homelessness programs, including shelters, housing initiatives, and outreach services.
The upcoming release of the Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count is expected to confirm an increase in homelessness for the first time in two years. Sources familiar with the count indicate that the number of people experiencing homelessness within the City of Los Angeles rose by approximately 3.4%. More alarmingly, the population living unsheltered on streets, sidewalks, and in encampments saw a more substantial increase of about 7.9%.
This anticipated rise marks a setback for Mayor Karen Bass's administration, which had previously highlighted consecutive years of decline as evidence of progress. Bass declared a local homelessness emergency upon taking office and launched the "Inside Safe" program, a signature initiative that receives nearly $100 million annually. This program funds encampment outreach, motel accommodations, interim housing, and supportive services aimed at moving individuals off the streets. City budget documents estimate the program's cost at approximately $34,000 per participant served.
Beyond "Inside Safe," Los Angeles continues to invest heavily in other initiatives such as Project Homekey, Proposition HHH housing projects, rental subsidy programs, Tiny Home Villages, and various outreach contracts. Concurrently, Los Angeles County has allocated $908 million for its homelessness budget, which supports thousands of shelter beds, outreach teams, and housing navigation services. The recent approval of Measure A, a permanent countywide sales tax, is expected to generate over $1 billion annually for homelessness services, bringing the total annual city and county spending to approximately $3 billion.
The expected increase in the homeless count has drawn renewed criticism from watchdog groups. Paul Webster, executive director of the LA Alliance for Human Rights, stated that the rise is unsurprising and reflects a broader failure to measure the effectiveness of billions in spending. "If there was a competent agency dedicated to outcomes, transparency, and accountability for the billions spent every year, we may have a glimpse at what should be done to solve this humanitarian crisis," Webster said. He attributed the ongoing issues to "poor leadership, finger pointing, and endless distractions that prevent getting to the real issues of addiction, mental illness, affordable housing, and public safety."
Mayor Bass's spokesperson, Alex Stack, acknowledged that the count could increase, citing rising housing costs, reductions in state and federal funding, and growing financial pressure on low-income residents. Stack defended the mayor's record, stating, "She’s out there every week getting folks off the streets and cleaning up encampments. As expected, the Trump Administration’s affordability crisis and federal and state cuts resulted in a slight increase last year. What we won’t do is go back to a failed system that left Angelenos to die on the streets."
The report's findings are also likely to intensify scrutiny on Councilwoman Nithya Raman, who chairs the City Council's Housing and Homelessness Committee and is a challenger for mayor. Raman has advocated for permanent supportive housing, rental assistance, and long-term affordable housing investments as the most effective solutions, while criticizing the city's reliance on costly motel rooms and temporary shelters. Earlier this month, reports indicated that Raman's $62.6 million Time Limited Subsidy program had only successfully housed three households despite a goal of 2,000. Additionally, a $4 million state grant intended to clear homeless encampments along the Los Angeles River reportedly remained unspent nearly two years after its award.
The timing of the report's release has also been a point of attention. The Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count is typically published in late spring or early summer, but this year's report is being released months later than usual. Sources familiar with the process indicated that city officials received the results last week, but the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), which coordinates much of the region's homelessness response, has not publicly explained the delay. LAHSA itself has faced multiple audits and criticism over its finances, leading federal officials to suspend grant funding administered through the agency pending an operational review.