LA's Annual Homeless Count Amidst Budget Cuts and Accountability Concerns

Annual Homeless Count Underway

• 🎯 Volunteers across Los Angeles are conducting the annual homeless count tonight, assessing the number of individuals experiencing homelessness.
• 🚐 The count includes visible signs of homelessness such as tents and RVs, with volunteers actively surveying areas like Skid Row.

Budget Cuts and Agency Accountability

• 📉 The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) faces significant $300 million budget cuts, raising concerns about the impact on proven solutions.
• ⚠️ An interim CEO warned that funding cuts could lead to a rise in homelessness, contradicting recent reported decreases.
• 💰 Questions are being raised about LAHSA's transparency in spending following a previous audit, with calls for accountability.

On-the-Ground Realities vs. Official Numbers

• 💬 Individuals experiencing homelessness on Skid Row expressed that the reported decrease in homelessness does not match their lived reality.
• 🏕️ Many feel that homelessness is actually increasing, with one individual reporting five people sharing a single tent.
• 🤝 There is a sentiment that the city has not provided sufficient resources or help to those in need.

Calls for Funding and Accountability

• 🗣️ City Council member Nithya Raman and LAHSA are advocating for increased funding despite the budget cuts.
• ⚖️ There's a push to hold the system accountable and ensure funds are used effectively, with a plea not to withdraw support.
• ❓ Mayor Bass was expected to attend the count but did not show up, leaving questions about the city's leadership on the issue.