Los Angeles independent homeless count launched amid federal report delay

A coalition of Hollywood nonprofits, business leaders and service providers called Hollywood 4WRD began an independent count of unsheltered residents on May 19 in 30 census tracts of the Hollywood area. About 60 volunteers, many of whom work for local homeless‑service agencies, will record observations on paper using the methodology of RAND’s LA LEADS study. Executive Director Brittney Weissman said the volunteers are “folks who have paid positions at provider agencies…very familiar with the types of people they will see.” She added, “What we see with our eyes is that there are fewer tents and fewer encampments…being replaced by people who may be sleeping rough…and also people who may be experiencing homelessness in their vehicles.” The count aims to test the accuracy of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority’s official tally, which RAND found captured only about 81 % of the unsheltered population in Hollywood, and to inform the city’s upcoming budget negotiations for homelessness resources.

Meanwhile, the annual federal report that ranks every state’s homeless population—released each December by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development—has been delayed for months. The postponement leaves California’s statewide ranking unknown and adds uncertainty to policy discussions at both the state and local levels.