LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority today announced the results of the 2024 Homeless Point-In-Time Count, which showed a decline in homelessness in Los Angeles for the first time in six years and historic reductions in unsheltered homelessness. Since Day 1, Mayor Bass has shattered the status quo by locking arms with all levels of government to urgently confront the homelessness crisis to save lives.
Key results from the 2024 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count:
Homelessness in the City of Los Angeles is down for the first time in six years
Unprecedented drop in street homelessness (10% decrease in the City of Los Angeles – the first double digit decrease in the last at least 9 years)
A decrease in makeshift shelters (38% decrease in the City of Los Angeles).
The number of people who moved into permanent housing is at an all time high.
Los Angeles leaders issued the following statements:
U.S. Representative Ted Lieu (View on X here)
The number of unhoused folks in Los Angeles is DOWN for the first time in years. Thank you @MayorofLA for working tirelessly to reduce homelessness in LA County. We will continue to do everything we can to make sure all of our neighbors have a safe place to call home.
U.S. Representative Brad Sherman (View on X here)
Pleased to commend @MayorOfLA and local leaders on the decline in the number of those suffering homelessness. We must continue our efforts to help those that remain unhoused.
U.S. Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (View on X here)
“While SCOTUS is criminalizing homelessness, we are moving people indoors & saving lives. This year, I was proud to secure $6.4 M for hundreds of housing units in LA, & I’m more proud to see our work paying off. I’ll keep fighting alongside local leaders to house all Angelenos.”
Senator Maria Elena Durazo, 26th District (View on X here)
“For the first time in 6 years, the @LAHomeless count went down. Proud to work with @MayorofLA and local leadership as we continue the lifesaving efforts to bring people inside.
California Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (View on X here)
The @LAHomeless count today motivates us to work harder than ever at all levels of government to bring Angelenos inside. In the City of LA alone compared to last year: Street homeless down 10%. Makeshift shelters down 38%. Homeless brought indoors up 17%. Let’s go!
Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho, Los Angeles Unified School District
“Today’s homelessness numbers prove that Mayor Bass’ strategies are creating progress in Los Angeles. I look forward to our continued partnership with the City as we create tangible change in our region on behalf of the students, families and communities we serve.”
Peter Reinke, Head of the St. James Episcopal School impacted by Inside Safe
"St. James' is very grateful to the Mayor for her leadership on addressing the challenges in our neighborhood. While as a parish and school we spend considerable time serving those who are hungry and in need; the encampment on 6th and Van Ness near our school housing was very concerning. I was grateful that Mayor Bass was personally available and worked closely with those of us residing and working in the neighborhood to address this matter swiftly and effectively."
Sarah Lee, Director of Apple Tree Daycare Located Near an Inside Safe Operation
"Our preschool community is greatly relieved after the relocation of the encampment near school through the Inside Safe initiative. This effort has significantly improved safety for children, parents, and families commuting to and from school. We are grateful to Mayor Bass for her continued leadership in tackling homelessness and enhancing public safety."
Maria S. Salinas, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
“The decrease in the homeless count is promising and underscores the ongoing need to address this crisis with urgency. Mayor Karen Bass recognizes the impact of homelessness on businesses of all sizes in Los Angeles and has been working tirelessly to change this reality since day one. The Chamber commends Mayor Bass’s leadership and the efforts of the region's elected officials and service providers. The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce remains committed to helping solve homelessness and ensuring businesses can thrive across every corner of the city.”
Steve Nissen, President and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber
“Mayor Bass promised the Hollywood Community she would take bold steps to move people off the streets, and she has delivered with purpose and compassion. Inside Safe is making a difference in Hollywood and that impact is felt by businesses, residents and visitors. At the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, we are encouraged that the homeless count is down for the first time in so many years. We applaud Mayor Bass for confronting homelessness head on and we are encouraged when the Mayor tells us this is just the beginning.”
Sarah Dusseault, Co-Chair LA County Blue Ribbon Commission on Homelessness
“Today’s news shows that the changes we’ve been fighting for are working. Decreasing homelessness is affirmation for those of us who work on the front lines of reform. These statistics are also much more than numbers - they represent brother’s, sisters, mothers and fathers whose lives have been forever made better by the collective efforts of the Mayor and LA County.”
Miguel Santana, CEO of California Community Foundation
“Today’s Homelessness Count is validation that a systemic and consistent approach to getting people off the streets, connected to services, and housed works. We are so proud to work alongside Mayor Bass and her team, to support and advance this work.”
Dr. Joseph Benjamin Hardwick, Senior Pastor, Praises of Zion Baptist Church
“We have a lot of work to do to address the homelessness crisis crisis in Los Angeles, but today’s Point-in-Time Count for the City of Los Angeles shows that we are moving in the right direction. Under Mayor Karen Bass’ leadership with partners across the city, investments and resources are being made to bring Angelenos experiencing homelessness inside with supportive services. The fact that we are able to make this progress shows that we can make a difference. Thank you Mayor Bass for being innovative in your approach and a great partner in addressing the Los Angeles homelessness crisis.”
Pastor K.W. Tulloss, Lead Pastor, Weller Street Missionary Baptist Church
“In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass is using every tool in her toolbox, including her Inside Safe inactive, to move people off the street and into interim and permeable housing. The crisis of homelessness will never be solved without first solving the crisis of housing - the two issues are inextricably connected. I applaud Mayor Bass for addressing this issue by bringing people inside safely and providing them with supportive services.”