L.A. homeless count delayed until February

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) announced that it would postpone its annual Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. 

This year's homeless count will take place from Tuesday, February 18 to Thursday, February 20. The new delayed dates are due to the recent fires, which affected various areas of the county both in air quality and in the loss of homes, incomes and small businesses

For three nights, hundreds of volunteers count people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County visually. The count, which usually occurs in January, is made possible by volunteers who tally the number of unsheltered individuals, tents, vehicles, and makeshift shelters they see at night in their assigned census tract.

“The safety of our volunteers and unsheltered neighbors is vital,” said LAHSA CEO Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum. “We are grateful for the flexibility and understanding of our partners and volunteers as we strive for a safe count.”

Dr. Nichole Quick, chief medical adviser of L.A. County's Department of Public Health, warned the public of L.A.'s air quality in a press conference last week. “To effectively reduce exposure to harmful particles, it is critical to wear appropriate respiratory precautions,” she said. “This includes N-95 and P-100 masks.”

LAHSA emphasized the importance of volunteer community members in the count, which usually starts after 8 p.m., a tactic used to ensure more unhoused individuals are back in their tents, vehicles or shelters. 

“We're facing unprecedented challenges this year, so the success of the Homeless Count depends now more than ever on community involvement. We urge everyone who can join us as a volunteer,” Kellum said. 

The annual count, which is a yearly requirement from the United States Housing and Urban Development Department, is essential to learning where people experiencing homelessness are located and trends among various populations. The up-to-date information also serves to inform and advocate for local policies and additional funding when it comes to tackling homelessness. 

For the first time in six years, the 2024 homeless count revealed a slight drop in the number of homeless people throughout Los Angeles County, including the City of Los Angeles.

Last year, Latinos also made up the largest percentage of homeless individuals (43%). They were followed by Black people (31%) and whites (29%). 

The rescheduled count will take place over these three nights in February: 

• Tuesday, February 18: San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys (SPA 2) and Metro Los Angeles (SPA 4) 

• Wednesday, February 19: San Gabriel Valley (SPA 3) and East Los Angeles (SPA 7) 

• Thursday, February 20: Antelope Valley (SPA 1), West Los Angeles (SPA 5), South Los Angeles (SPA 6), and South Bay/Harbor (SPA 8) 

LAHSA is still seeking volunteers to participate in the count. Information is available at theycountwillyou.org.