LISC LA Volunteers for Point in Time Homeless Count 2022
3.28.2022
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LISC StoriesAffordable Housing
The 2020 homeless count revealed that the County's homeless population increased by 12.7%, while the City of Los Angeles' homeless population soared by 14.2% since 2019.
Now more than ever, unhoused people can be seen in virtually every neighborhood as the homeless population has climbed to over 41,000 people. Many are experiencing homelessness due to the ongoing economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Homeless Count is a survey that provides essential baseline information on the estimated number, critical demographic, and service provision needs of people experiencing homelessness. It is also used to help Los Angeles County determine where to distribute resources for unhoused people and allocate state and federal funding.
To receive federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Continuum of Care providers must conduct the homeless count. This year's count took place over three days in February and is significant for the County. Volunteers both conducted the count by walking and driving, depending on the density and needs of each neighborhood. Volunteers also used an app to collect and submit information electronically instead of using clipboards and writing down information physically.
From Left to Right: Sandra Romero, Deborah Membreno, Shona Sen, Miranda Rodriguez, and Tunua Thrash-Ntuk
LISC LA team members helped count this year in El Sereno and West Adams, including the neighborhood around Ward AME Church. Presently, where unhoused neighbors could be seen sleeping on the steps at the church's front door.
Counting unhoused people is particularly important in understanding the extent and nature of homelessness in each continuum. The number of individuals experiencing homelessness and their characteristics provide insight into their needs. The counts are also beneficial when looking at trends in homelessness. The effort is essential to understanding how large the region's homelessness crisis has become.
This year's count is the County's first since 2020, as last year, the County received an exemption from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development due to COVID-19,
stay-at-home orders and curfews.
Los Angeles must now rezone to accommodate approximately a quarter-million new homes by mid-October. However, without the funds, the production of new housing for individuals who cannot afford safe and quality housing and are therefore unhoused throughout L.A. would take a massive hit, given that 41,000 people are without housing and rents are soaring. Thus, the state has committed roughly $12 billion to homelessness programs over two years as the demand for faster and cheaper housing rises.
