Homelessness in Los Angeles has increased by 3.4%, according to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority's (LAHSA) 2026 annual count. The report estimated 45,194 people were experiencing homelessness within the city, while the broader Los Angeles Continuum of Care, which excludes Long Beach, Pasadena, and Glendale, counted 73,040 individuals. Street homelessness within the city saw a more significant rise of 7.9%, with an estimated 29,115 people living on the streets.
John Alle, a Santa Monica business owner and co-founder of the Santa Monica Coalition, criticized Mayor Karen Bass's approach to the escalating crisis. Alle stated that Bass "doesn't get it" and has repeatedly declined invitations to tour neighborhoods like Alvarado, Third Street, Park View, MacArthur Park, and Westlake, areas he says are heavily impacted by crime, drug use, and deteriorating conditions. Alle, who owns properties across Los Angeles, told Fox News Digital that such tours could be conducted with police escort for security.
In response to the LAHSA report, Mayor Bass attributed the increase in homelessness to funding cuts at the federal and state levels. She cited policies from the Trump administration, which she argued increased the cost of living and reduced safety net funding. Bass acknowledged in a previous interview that she had not fulfilled her promise to end street homelessness by 2026, citing unforeseen bureaucratic obstacles.
Alle described a worsening crime situation in areas such as Little Bangladesh, where he claims people are found unconscious on the streets and handymen are tasked with removing discarded needles. He also highlighted the impact on renters and small businesses. According to Alle, tenants in his buildings have experienced overdoses, assaults, and murders nearby, with emergency services experiencing lengthy response times. He also noted that small businesses are being forced to close early due to safety concerns, impacting their ability to thrive in the city.
Mentioning his own tenants' experiences, Alle expressed concern for "mom-and-pop" renters who pay substantial amounts for housing and are affected by the visible impact of the homelessness crisis. He described incidents of people overdosing outside his buildings, fights, and even murders, coupled with long waits for emergency services.
Alle's coalition has been involved in initiatives to help individuals experiencing homelessness return to their home states. He stated they partnered with an artificial intelligence company to develop a hotline that has assisted over 40 homeless individuals in returning home in the past year. The coalition also collaborates with law enforcement to provide transportation for those seeking to reunite with family or enter treatment programs. Alle emphasized that these efforts, while not a complete solution, offer a path to recovery for individuals who have "seen hell in LA."