Los Angeles homelessness rises as study shows rapid re‑housing cuts future homelessness

The Los Angeles County Homelessness Count released on July 24 reported a modest increase in overall homelessness, up 1.2% county‑wide to about 73,040 people and 3.4% in the city to an estimated 45,194. Unsheltered homelessness grew 3.3% in the county and 7.9% in the city, a reversal after two years of decline. Officials linked the rise to economic pressures and reductions in time‑limited rental subsidies that help people transition to permanent housing.

A separate study by the non‑partisan California Policy Lab found that Rapid Re‑Housing (RRH), a short‑term rental assistance program, markedly lowered future homelessness risk. Participants who used the subsidy were 30% less likely to become homeless over four years (single adults and youth) and families saw a 25% reduction. The study also noted improved health, higher public‑assistance income, and reduced criminal‑justice contact for families. "Rapid Re‑Housing is one of the most widely used strategies to help people exit homelessness," said co‑author Brian Blackwell, senior data scientist at the lab.