First, the bad news: The streets of Los Angeles don’t look especially encouraging. The Homeless Services Authority has just released their findings from the 2018 Homeless Count, and 53,195 Angelenos are living without permanent homes. Of those, 39,826 live on the streets, with no shelter beyond a vehicle, tent, or sleeping bag. And the problems that can lead to homelessness, like low wages, high cost of living, and housing scarcity, show no signs of relenting. If our homelessness problem still seems disgraceful and widespread, that’s because it is.
Now, the good news: For the first time in four years, the Homeless Count did not increase. In fact, homelessness decreased three percent overall across our county. What’s even more heartening is that veteran homelessness is down eight percent, and chronic homelessness is down 18 percent.
Thanks to funds from Measure H and Measure HHH—and advocates like you—people on the cusp of homelessness are finding affordable housing and getting help with rent. The most vulnerable people experiencing homelessness are moving into long-term supportive housing. And more people on the streets are being connected with outreach teams who can connect them with the emergency services and facilities they need to heal.
These results prove that we have the right plan and our approach is working. But they also show that this crisis won’t go away overnight.
These results prove that we have the right plan and our approach is working. But they also show that this crisis won’t go away overnight. Angelenos from all walks of life need to keep raising their voices and showing up for our unhoused neighbors.
That’s where you come in.
Join us to lend your much-needed time, skills, and passion to our movement. You can phone bank to get your neighbors and elected leaders on board, get trained to speak before City Council and the Board of Supervisors, canvass door-to-door, or host a house party with a purpose. Whatever commitment you make, it will help accelerate our progress.
It takes a big effort to solve a big problem. There’s no denying it. Fortunately, we have an effective plan that’s already underway. Now, we just need you to keep up the pressure.
