An unhoused person sleeping on the grass in Pasadena (File Photo – Staff)
The latest results from the 2025 Annual Homeless Count reveal a second consecutive year of progress in the fight against homelessness in Los Angeles County.
By News Desk
According to data released by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), homelessness decreased countywide by 4%, with unsheltered homelessness dropping even more significantly, by 9.5%.
Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis issued a statement highlighting the results as a reflection of collaborative, sustained efforts to move people from the streets into shelter and onto the path toward permanent housing.
“These numbers represent real progress,” said Supervisor Solis. “For the second year in a row, Los Angeles County has seen a decrease in the homeless count. More people are indoors, receiving care, and taking steps toward long-term stability.”
County Supervisor Kathryn Barger also acknowledged the momentum, underscoring the role of targeted, coordinated programs in driving change. “It’s encouraging to see that, for the second consecutive year, the annual homeless count reflects a decrease in homelessness across Los Angeles County,” she said. “This positive trend is a clear indication that our collective efforts are beginning to make a meaningful impact.”
Barger pointed to three critical drivers behind the improvement: “sustained investments in housing and services, strong partnerships with our local cities and service providers, and a focused approach to encampment resolution—such as through the County’s Pathway Home program, which helps transition individuals directly from encampments into shelter and care.”
Progress in High-Need Communities
Solis highlighted significant efforts in areas with some of the county’s most vulnerable populations, such as Skid Row and MacArthur Park. Through the Skid Row Action Plan, nearly 3,000 people have been placed into interim housing, with more than 1,600 transitioning into permanent housing. The newly opened Skid Row Care Campus is now serving as a critical access point for health care and housing services.
In MacArthur Park, the County’s Pathway Home initiative moved 69 individuals from the streets into safe, interim housing. A similar operation in East Los Angeles helped 32 individuals into shelter. These efforts have been strengthened by the MacArthur Park Care Collaborative, a partnership model focused on providing integrated, no-barrier access to services.
First District Leads Local Innovations
Cities within the First District continue to be key players in the regional response. Montebello and Baldwin Park have established tiny home villages, offering dignified and transitional shelter options. In Pomona, the Hope for Home Shelter has expanded access to beds and services, while El Monte has leveraged the State of California’s Homekey program to convert two hotels into long-term housing facilities.
Over the past decade, Solis has helped develop more than 9,000 units of affordable housing in the First District and has spearheaded high-impact projects such as the Hilda L. Solis Care First Village, the Restorative Care Village, and the Skid Row Care Campus.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Commitment
Despite the downward trend in homelessness, over 72,000 county residents remain unhoused. Supervisor Barger called this figure “heartbreaking,” noting: “Each person counted represents a life in crisis. They must remain at the center of our housing, outreach, and support service strategies.”
Supervisor Barger also expressed optimism about the county’s ability to further reduce homelessness with a more centralized and coordinated approach. “I remain fully committed to ensuring that Los Angeles County continues investing in innovative and compassionate solutions that deliver lasting, measurable results,” she said. “I am also optimistic about the establishment of our new County department dedicated solely to homelessness. I believe this focused and coordinated approach will significantly strengthen our efforts and help reduce homelessness further in our communities.”
Supervisor Solis acknowledged the persistent crisis but emphasized the importance of continuing momentum through initiatives like the County’s newly established Department of Homeless Services and Housing.
“I know that there is more work yet to be done,” Solis said. “But with the right tools, strong partnerships, and the continued investment of resources from Measure A, we can continue to make a lasting difference.”
Solis also extended gratitude to the thousands of volunteers who participated in this year’s count, whose work provides the data needed to drive targeted solutions and guide future investments.
Key 2025 Homeless Count Figures
- Countywide homelessness: ↓ 4%
- Unsheltered homelessness: ↓ 9.5%
- Skid Row interim housing placements: ~3,000
- Permanent housing transitions from Skid Row: 1,600+
- First District’s affordable housing units created (10 years): 9,000+
- Volunteers involved in 2025 count: Thousands across LA County
[This article has been updated to include Superiors Barger’s comments]
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