2026 Greater LA Homeless Count Underway Amidst On-the-Ground Realities

LA County Homeless Count Underway

• 🎯 The 2026 Greater LA homeless count is in progress, with thousands of volunteers covering over 4,000 square miles across LA County.
• 🗓️ The count, which began last night, is expected to conclude tomorrow, Thursday, in various regions including the Antelope Valley, West and South LA, and the South Bay.

On-the-Ground Observations

• 📍 Volunteers are counting people, tents, shelters, and RVs in areas like East LA, near the five freeway and Lena Street, where over 40 people are estimated to live in an encampment.
• 🗣️ Some individuals experiencing homelessness have been on housing lists for years, reporting that available space is often limited or requires separation of families.
• 📈 Despite official data suggesting a decline in homelessness for the second consecutive year, residents and business owners in East LA feel the problem has worsened.

Count Improvements and Data Use

• 🛠️ LAHSA has implemented improvements for this year's count, including updated maps and enhanced support for staff.
• 💰 The data collected is crucial for directing millions of dollars in federal funding to address homelessness in the region.
• 📢 Results from the count are typically released in the spring or early summer.

Business Owner's Perspective

• 🏬 A local furniture store owner in East LA, operating for the last 5 years, has observed that homelessness appears to have intensified in recent years.