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October 1, 2023 – Homelessness in Los Angeles has resumed an upward trend after two years of decline, according to a recent audit report, marking a significant setback for Mayor Karen Bass's ambitious efforts to tackle the city's persistent housing crisis. The data underscores mounting challenges from economic pressures and shifting federal policies, even as county-wide figures show mixed results.
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) latest count reveals a 3.4% increase in the city's homeless population, now exceeding 45,000 individuals. While officials note this rise falls within the margin of error, a more alarming statistic shows the unsheltered segment—those living on streets or in vehicles—jumped nearly 8%, a shift deemed statistically significant. Contrastingly, Los Angeles County overall saw only a 1% uptick in homelessness, with unsheltered numbers actually decreasing, highlighting disparities in local versus regional approaches.
Mayor Bass and LAHSA attribute the reversal to a confluence of factors, primarily the soaring cost of living in Southern California and reductions in federal support. In a social media statement, Bass emphasized her commitment to moving people from interim to permanent housing, but acknowledged external headwinds. "For two years, we drove down homelessness by historic margins," she said, "but last year, efforts couldn't offset policies and funding cuts at state and federal levels that pushed more people onto the streets."
Political ramifications are immediate as Bass campaigns for re-election. Councilmember Nithya Raman, who chairs the Housing and Homelessness Committee, criticized the mayor's strategy in a Thursday release, noting her own district saw significant reductions through hands-on work. Raman argued that city leadership lacks the will to adopt proven, permanent housing solutions, framing the audit results as evidence of systemic failure. This critique sets the stage for a heated electoral debate on homelessness policy.
Exclusive analysis from the Urban Institute's 2023 housing report adds authoritative context, indicating that California's affordable housing gap exceeds 1 million units, directly fueling homelessness cycles. The study notes that without increased construction and rental assistance, cities like Los Angeles will struggle to sustain progress. This external validation underscores the complexity of the crisis beyond local control, aligning with Bass's points on funding shortfalls.
Bass detailed specific challenges in a follow-up statement, citing a 50% cut in state Homeless Housing Assistance Program (HHAP) funding—from $1 billion to $500 million—which cost Los Angeles city $70 million alone. She also blamed Trump-era policies for inflating costs of essentials like gas and rent, eroding safety nets. To compensate, her administration raised philanthropic dollars and lobbied other mayors to restore HHAP funding to $900 million this year, a partial recovery.
Historical efforts show that from 2023, homelessness decreased by 11% under Bass's initiatives, including the Inside Safe program that moved 6,000 people off streets and housed over 1,000 veterans. The city addressed 130 encampments and provided eviction defense to 85,000 residents. However, the audit exposes deeper issues: LAHSA's management has faced criticism for poor fund tracking, unpaid providers, and eroded public trust, prompting calls for a more transparent, results-driven system.
Looking ahead, Bass vowed to "double down on what works" while overhauling ineffective structures. She declared a homelessness state of emergency upon taking office, focusing on interim housing and support services. Yet, with county services often inadequate and economic pressures persisting, experts warn that without sustained investment and coordinated regional action, short-term gains may remain fragile.
The crisis, ignored for decades, now sees intensified scrutiny. As Bass and opponents debate solutions, the audit serves as a stark reminder that ending street homelessness requires not just local will but robust state and federal partnerships. For Angelenos, the path forward hinges on balancing immediate relief with long-term housing stability, a challenge that will define the city's leadership in coming months.
