BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, January 27, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) in conjunction with U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the dates for the new homeless count. LAHSA officials are seeking volunteers to assist in this effort. Due to the devastating wildfires in January, the count was rescheduled.
The new dates of the homeless count are scheduled for February 18-20th. Locals willing to undergo some brief volunteer training are encouraged to register on the LAHSA webpage.
Dedicated volunteers will cover 4,000 square miles. The tasks will be broken down into 8,000 shifts to be completed in the allotted time.
Volunteers will take a tally of unsheltered people 18 years and older who reside in shelters, vehicles, tents, and wherever else the homeless may be taking shelter from the elements.
The following information was posted on the LAHSA website on January 21st.
The rescheduled count will take place over these three nights in February:
Tuesday, February 18: San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys (SPA 2) and Metro Los Angeles (SPA 4)
Wednesday, February 19: San Gabriel Valley (SPA 3) and East Los Angeles (SPA 7)
Thursday, February 20: Antelope Valley (SPA 1), West Los Angeles (SPA 5), South Los Angeles (SPA 6), and South Bay/Harbor (SPA 8)
LAHSA CEO Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum made the following statement.
“The safety of our volunteers and unsheltered neighbors is vital. We are grateful for the flexibility and understanding of our partners and volunteers as we strive for a safe count.
We’re facing unprecedented challenges this year, so the success of the Homeless Count depends now more than ever on community involvement. We urge everyone who can join us as a volunteer.”
The homeless count is required by HUD. The data is used to produce statistics and better address the homeless population.
The 2024, homeless count reflects a decrease of 2.7 percent in the number of adults 18-54 years of age experiencing homelessness over 2023. Adults 55 years old and older experiencing homelessness increased by 6.5 percent.
The data decrease in young adults last year may be due to services available for those aging out of foster care. The increase in older adults could be caused by a decrease in benefits offered to veterans. The statistical data on the LAHSA website reveals who is the most vulnerable in Los Angeles County.
By Sharon