Los Angeles County Homelessness Declines for Second Year

Preliminary data from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority indicates a decline in unsheltered homelessness across Los Angeles County for the second consecutive year, with expectations of a decrease of 5% to 10%. The rough count shows approximately 29,000 homeless individuals in the county, down from about 32,000 last year, reflecting a broader trend of improvement in addressing homelessness. LAHSA Chief Executive Va Lecia Adams Kellum credited collaborative efforts and state emergency declarations for this progress. While there are concerns over LAHSA's financial management and data tracking, the overall results have sparked a positive dialogue on homelessness strategies. Meanwhile, Topeka reported a slight decrease in its homeless population to 534 individuals, with ongoing efforts to connect them to essential services. Both areas highlight the importance of continued collaboration and support in tackling homelessness.