Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count Begins with 5,000 Volunteers

The Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count has commenced after a delay due to recent wildfires, with nearly 5,000 volunteers participating in this critical effort to gather data on homelessness across the county. This annual count is crucial for determining how resources are allocated to address homelessness, with results to be released by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority in the coming months. Despite a previous decline in homelessness, concerns remain that recent fires could lead to an increase in unhoused individuals. The count is conducted primarily at night across various regions, including San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita, and Metro L.A., to ensure accuracy. Last year's count showed a significant decrease in homelessness, with more individuals moving from streets to interim housing. Community leaders, including LAHSA CEO Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, emphasize the importance of these efforts in understanding and solving the homelessness crisis.