POVERTY INFO

Homelessness in LA County has been published by the Center for Community Research and Solutions at United Way of Greater Los Angeles.  It examines the nature of homelessness in LA County, using the most recent data and information available on the homeless population and policy options.  Included in the brief: an overview of homelessness in LA County (definitions, demographics, geography), causes of homelessness, costs of homelessness (to the community, and local governments) and strategies to end homelessness (policies implemented in different places that have impacted homeless populations).  

Selected Findings:

• Each night there are about 73,000 homeless persons in LA County.
• A chronically homeless individual costs society about $100,000 over a year and a half in emergency medical services.
• 15% of the homeless population in LA County are children and youth in families.
• According to the recent LA Homeless Services Authority count, the most cited reason for becoming homeless was the loss of a job.
• More than 8 in 10 homeless persons in LA County are not sheltered.
• According to a recent Gallup poll released by Fannie Mae, half of those surveyed in Los Angeles said that they had taken in a friend or relative who would have otherwise become homeless.
• 40% of Los Angeles residents surveyed by Gallup in a recent poll expressed worry that the high cost of housing could leave them homeless.

More information on Homelessness in LA County.