Photo: Mario Tama / Getty Images News / Getty Images
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) recently adjusted the locations of over 400 sheltered individuals in its 2025 homeless count, moving them out of the city of Los Angeles. This change occurred just before the public release of the findings and was not communicated to elected officials who had previously seen the earlier numbers. On July 7, LAHSA informed local officials that homelessness had decreased by 2.5% in the city. However, the agency later announced a slightly larger reduction of 3.4% publicly this week.
According to LAist, the revision decreased the city's count by 437 people. LAHSA explained that the adjustments were necessary because several interim housing units were incorrectly tagged as being within the city due to an error in the agency's new housing inventory system. The revisions were made after LAHSA briefed council members on July 7 but before the data was released publicly.
Elected officials, including L.A. Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, expressed concerns about the lack of transparency. Rodriguez stated that LAHSA should have been more forthcoming about the changes, especially since the agency had delayed the briefing for officials multiple times.
LAHSA's adjustments did not affect the overall population estimates for L.A. County, but the city's homeless population estimate was revised down to 43,699 from 44,136. The revision included a 475-person reduction in the city's sheltered count and a 38-person increase in the unsheltered estimate.
Despite the controversy, LAHSA and its partners have reported a positive trend in reducing homelessness across Los Angeles County. According to LAHSA, homelessness in the county decreased by 4% and unsheltered homelessness dropped by 9.5% in 2025. Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the importance of acting with urgency to address homelessness and highlighted successful programs like Inside Safe and Pathway Home.
However, skepticism remains. As reported by NBC Los Angeles, some experts caution that shelters are not a permanent solution to homelessness, and there is a need for more affordable housing units in the region. The county is also moving towards creating its own homelessness department, pulling funding from LAHSA due to concerns over financial accountability and transparency.