Rapid Rise in Homelessness Plagues Los Angeles and Clark County

The number of homeless people in Los Angeles County has increased by 9% from the previous year, reaching a count of 75,518 individuals. Local officials express concern that efforts to address homelessness have not kept pace with the rate at which families are losing their homes. A lack of affordable housing is identified as the main driver of homelessness in California. Los Angeles, with its disproportionately large homeless population, serves as a test case for addressing the issue. Mayor Karen Bass has made promises to tackle the crisis, including moving people from encampments humanely and improving communication among nonprofit groups and government agencies. The success of these efforts remains to be seen, with next year's count carrying high stakes for the administration.