Los Angeles, January 20, 2026
Los Angeles is preparing for its upcoming Homeless Count in February 2026, as recent data shows a modest decline in homelessness rates. The 2025 count reported a 4% decrease in the overall homeless population, with a significant reduction in unsheltered individuals. The city emphasizes community engagement, urging volunteers to participate in the 2026 count, crucial for securing federal funding and informing strategies to combat homelessness.
Los Angeles Prepares for 2026 Homeless Count as Trends Show Modest Decline
Los Angeles is gearing up for its annual Homeless Count, set for February 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to evaluate and combat homelessness in the region. This initiative not only aims to quantify the number of individuals experiencing homelessness but also encourages active community involvement through volunteer engagement.
Recent Trends in Homelessness
Recent statistics indicate a modest decline in the homeless population across Los Angeles County. In 2025, the number of individuals identified as experiencing homelessness was recorded at 72,308, demonstrating a 4% drop compared to the previous year. Specifically, the city of Los Angeles reported a 3.4% reduction, with 43,699 individuals identified as unhoused. This marks the second consecutive year of a decrease in the region’s homeless population, which is a positive indicator of ongoing efforts aimed at addressing this complex challenge.
Details of the 2025 Homeless Count
The 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, conducted over three days in February, uncovered a significant reduction in unsheltered homelessness, which diminished by 9.5% countywide and by 7.9% within the city. While sheltered homelessness saw an increase of 8.5% countywide and 4.7% in the city, the overall housing placements reached an all-time high, marking a notable stride in efforts to provide stable housing options for those in need.
Call for Volunteers in 2026
As the 2026 Homeless Count draws near, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) is calling on community members to participate through volunteering opportunities. This count is integral to securing federal funding to support homelessness reduction programs and provides invaluable data to inform strategic initiatives aimed at fostering long-term solutions. Volunteers will be tasked with surveying and documenting the unhoused population across various neighborhoods, playing a crucial role in this grassroots effort.
Background on Homelessness in Los Angeles
Homelessness has remained a significant challenge in Los Angeles, with numbers peaking over 75,000 individuals in prior years. Various factors contribute to this ongoing crisis, including a shortage of affordable housing, economic disparities, and systemic issues within social services frameworks. The annual Homeless Count serves as a vital tool to comprehend the scope of homelessness, allowing city officials and service providers to evaluate the effectiveness of current interventions and policies.
Conclusion
The upcoming 2026 Homeless Count represents a continuing commitment by Los Angeles to tackle homelessness through comprehensive data collection and robust community engagement. By harnessing the power of local volunteers and analyzing emerging trends, the city aims to develop targeted solutions to assist individuals experiencing homelessness, striving towards sustainable and impactful outcomes.
FAQ
What is the 2026 Homeless Count?
The 2026 Homeless Count is an annual initiative in Los Angeles where volunteers survey and document the number of individuals experiencing homelessness across the city and county. This count is crucial for securing federal funding and informing strategies to address homelessness.
Why is the 2026 Homeless Count important?
The count provides essential data on the homeless population, helping policymakers and service providers understand the scope of the issue and evaluate the effectiveness of current interventions. It also plays a key role in obtaining federal funding to support homelessness reduction efforts.
How can I participate in the 2026 Homeless Count?
Individuals interested in volunteering can contact the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) for information on registration and training sessions. Participation typically involves attending an orientation and joining a team to conduct surveys in designated areas.
What were the results of the 2025 Homeless Count?
The 2025 count reported a 4% decrease in homelessness countywide and a 3.4% decrease in the city of Los Angeles compared to the previous year. The unsheltered population decreased by 9.5% countywide and 7.9% in the city, while sheltered homelessness increased by 8.5% countywide and 4.7% in the city.
How does the Homeless Count impact homelessness reduction efforts?
The data collected from the count helps identify trends, allocate resources effectively, and develop targeted interventions. It also supports advocacy for policies and funding aimed at reducing homelessness in the region.
Key Features of the 2026 Homeless Count
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To survey and document the number of individuals experiencing homelessness across Los Angeles, providing data essential for securing federal funding and informing strategies to address homelessness. |
| Volunteer Participation | Open to individuals interested in assisting with the count; volunteers will be trained and assigned to specific areas to conduct surveys. |
| Data Collection | Involves a comprehensive survey of both sheltered and unsheltered populations to assess the scope and needs of homelessness in the region. |
| Impact | Provides critical data that influences policy decisions, resource allocation, and the development of programs aimed at reducing homelessness in Los Angeles. |
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