The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) recently revealed the results of the 2025 Greater LA Homeless Count, noting a reduction in homelessness for the second consecutive year.
While these statistics have brought a sense of hopeful recognition to many, those engaged in organizations serving the unhoused community urge a cautious approach.
According to the homeless count results, LA County experienced a 4% drop in homelessness, while the city of Los Angeles saw a reduction of 3.4%. The number of unsheltered individuals decreased by 9.5% across the county and by 7.9% within the city limits.
A press conference announcing these results included several prominent LA officials, such as Mayor Karen Bass, Wendy Greuel, chair of the LAHSA Commission, Stephanie Klasky-Gamer, president and CEO of LA Family Housing (LAFH), and Randall Trice, chief program officer for Whittier First Day.
Mayor Bass emphasized the necessity for urgent action and the importance of disrupting existing systems that have previously left individuals on the streets.
“This lasting change was only possible because we chose to act with urgency, and we chose to reject the status quo,… the notion that you should stay in a tent until permanent housing is built is unacceptable and rejected,” Bass declared.
Under her leadership, more than 100 operations through the Inside Safe initiative have been conducted to transition people from encampments into housing.
In reflecting on these initiatives, Trice acknowledged the benefits brought by the LA County Pathway Home initiative, which seeks to relocate individuals from the streets into available interim housing.
He noted significant successes connected to this program, such as the resolution of 56 encampments and the placement of over 600 individuals into interim housing, with many transitioning to permanent supportive housing.
“Pathway Home is one of the most effective responses we have seen addressing homelessness at the ground level since its launch,” Trice said.
Klasky-Gamer indicated that while the encouraging statistics deserve recognition, they highlight an important underlying issue: the ongoing affordable housing crisis in Los Angeles.
She pointed out that renters must earn approximately $50 an hour to afford a standard two-bedroom apartment, nearly three times the city’s minimum wage.
According to a 2021 report by the California Housing Partnership, around 500,000 low-income renter households in LA County lack access to affordable housing.
“These are families, seniors, veterans and individuals who are vulnerable and in need of our immediate attention,” Klasky-Gamer stressed.
To effectively address these challenges, she emphasized the necessity of increasing housing production and expanding the availability of rental subsidies for those in need.
However, the announcement wasn’t without its concerns. Rowan Vansleve, president of Hope the Mission, a nonprofit focused on delivering vital services to the homeless in the San Fernando Valley and LA, acknowledged the achievements represented in the count.
Yet, he cautioned that recent crises, including wildfires and federal immigration raids, coupled with impending budget cuts to programs aiding the homeless population, could hinder progress.
Vansleve specifically expressed worry about cuts to housing vouchers and street outreach teams, stating, “We need to continue funding street outreach and housing navigation… if there is a reduction in funding, we might not be celebrating another victory next year.”
He highlighted the delicate balance required; without street outreach teams, even available shelter beds may remain empty, and decreased funding for housing vouchers will obstruct individuals’ pathways to permanent housing.
Despite the recent decrease in homelessness, Vansleve noted that over 65,000 individuals still remain homeless in LA County.
The situation remains crucial, particularly as economic challenges continue to affect financial donations to non-profit organizations.
“By no means is the crisis over… it does prove that investing in this issue shows results,” he said. “However, it feels like we’re at risk of pulling away from pressing for further advancements.”
Similarly, Mel Tillekeratne, co-founder and executive director of The Shower of Hope, highlighted the critical role that various services play in addressing homelessness.
The non-profit faced setbacks after losing a significant contract with the city of LA, which has affected operational capacities, despite maintaining support for half of their programs.
“Showers don’t solve homelessness, but it’s one of those tools that is needed to create that whole network of services…” Tillekeratne underscored the long-term implications if current funding losses continue.
Tillekeratne also raised alarms about changes in LAHSA’s structure after the County Board of Supervisors’ vote in April to withdraw funding and consolidate homeless services into a new department.
He emphasized the urgent need for a swift replacement for LAHSA to prevent disruption in funding that could devastate essential programs.
“Regardless of what the homeless count is, it’s important that the city of LA focuses on how we go forward addressing homelessness beyond LAHSA,” he asserted.
As various organizations strive to navigate the complexities of the ongoing crisis, the recent results from the homelessness count reflect progress while highlighting the extensive work needed to fully address the multitude of underlying issues contributing to homelessness in Los Angeles.
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