Pico Rivera photo1

The Pico Rivera City Hall located on Passons Blvd. Photo courtesy of Robert Alaniz.

This year, the City of Pico Rivera, where approximately 90% of the population is Latino, had a reduction in individuals experiencing homelessness in the city. 

According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) data, Pico Rivera’s homeless population decreased by 60% compared to last year, signifying one of the largest reductions in homeless population throughout L.A. County. 

LAHSA’s 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count recorded 37 unhoused individuals in Pico Rivera, down from 95 in 2024. 

“Pico Rivera is a city that cares deeply about all its residents. Reducing homelessness by over 60% is a testament to our proactive, people-centered approach,” said Pico Rivera Mayor John Garcia. “We will continue to ensure public spaces are safe and accessible, while working tirelessly with our partners to uplift those who are unhoused with dignity and care.”

City spokesman Robert Alaniz said the city attributes the significant drop in homelessness to strategic partnerships with local outreach providers and other partners like the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department and the Gateway Cities Council of Governments (COG)

The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department provides law enforcement services to the city and serves over 63,000 residents in a nine-mile patrol area.

He said the city has a strong relationship with the LA County Sheriff's Department—Pico Rivera station, which "contributes to regular two-way communication and lock-step coordination." 

The LASD deploys a dedicated Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) of deputies who work closely with outreach teams to ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness are engaged in a safe, respectful, and trauma-informed manner.

"Their presence helped build trust, reduce calls for emergency service, and connect individuals to services without relying on punitive enforcement," the city stated. "Deputies also participated in proactive and balanced enforcement coupled with outreach-focused field interactions. Their efforts helped ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness were treated with dignity while also addressing safety and quality-of-life concerns for the broader community."

According to the city, other key elements that have helped in the reduction of homelessness include the LASD Mental Evaluation Team (LASD MET), the Gateway Cities Council of Governments (COG), and other local outreach providers offering case management, linking people to shelter and services, and providing vital follow-up.

 

When it comes to homeless people in improvised dwellings, which include vehicles, tents and makeshift shelters used for sleeping, the reduction is also evident. Last year, the count identified 104 people living in improvised dwellings. In 2025, the number of people decreased to 58. 

Steve Carmona, Pico Rivera city manager, said homelessness in the city is not just addressed by enforcement efforts but also care and commitment.

“These results reflect what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose and compassion,” Carmona said. “While we remain steadfast in protecting the safety and well-being of our neighborhoods, we also recognize that addressing homelessness requires more than enforcement—it requires empathy, coordination and long-term commitment to helping people rebuild their lives.”

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