LA County Supervisors Approve New $1 Billion Homeless Services Department

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to create a new department for homeless services, effectively transferring funding from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) due to concerns over financial mismanagement revealed in recent audits. The new department, set to be operational by January 1, 2026, will manage approximately $1 billion and employ over 1,000 staff, aiming to streamline services for the homeless population. Critics, including some city councilmembers, expressed concerns that this shift could disrupt existing services and questioned the efficacy of moving funds from LAHSA, which has seen improvements in data accountability. Proponents argue that the current system is fragmented and ineffective, necessitating a comprehensive restructuring to better address the homelessness crisis. Supervisor Janice Hahn emphasized the need for change, citing that voters have shown a willingness to support new funding measures like Measure A to combat homelessness. The transition reflects ongoing tensions between the city and county regarding the handling of homelessness in Los Angeles.