Explaining LA’s expanded response to homelessness

South Park Studies: Homelessness

LEARN

The number of individuals experiencing homelessness in LA County rose 42% from 2010 to 2017. In the last two years, the City and County have adopted measures H, HHH, and the Linkage Fee, created the Bridge Home program, an ADU pilot program, and increased outreach teams. Earlier this year, Los Angeles Magazine explained key funding increases, housing plans, and what to expect in coming months.

Here’s What’s Being Done to End L.A.’s Homelessness Crisis
Los Angeles Magazine, June 14, 2018

You don’t need us to tell you that the city and county are in the midst of a homelessness crisis — the worst in the region’s history and the worst in the nation. Just look out the window on your daily commute.

While a host of recent funding measures have helped to decrease L.A. County’s total homeless population by 3 percent since 2017, the number of people experiencing homelessness for the first time is still on the rise, and L.A. has a lot more to do to address the issue’s root causes.

The info that follows can’t possibly tackle the entirety of a topic as complex and fraught as this — you’d need a textbook for that — but it does offer clarity about where your money is going, what steps are being taken, and what other efforts we can expect in the coming months.

Read the full article here.

GET INVOLVED

Every year LA County conducts a census of the homeless population. The Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count helps government and nonprofit agencies better understand homelessness in our region and direct resources where they’re needed most. At least 8,000 volunteers are needed to canvas more than 80 cities and 200 communities across LA County. The Downtown Los Angeles Count will be on Thursday, January 24 — sign up here.

ABOUT

South Park Studies is a new initiative designed to bring you news and resources on the topics we hear questions about the most — homelessness, daycare and school availability, transportation, and more. Each topic, starting with homelessness, will consist of a multi-week series of article recommendations, volunteer opportunities, and more. Learn more about South Park by visiting southpark.la.