LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) released its 2026 annual homeless count on Friday, revealing a 3.4% increase in homelessness in Los Angeles and a 1.2% rise across the Los Angeles Continuum of Care. The report estimated 45,194 people experiencing homelessness in LA and 73,040 across the Continuum of Care, which excludes Long Beach, Pasadena, and Glendale. The increases follow two consecutive years of declines, though LAHSA noted neither change is statistically significant.
Criticism of Mayor Bass's Response
John Alle, a Santa Monica business owner and co-founder of the Santa Monica Coalition, criticized Mayor Karen Bass for not addressing the homelessness crisis firsthand. Alle told Fox News Digital that he had repeatedly invited Bass to tour affected neighborhoods, including Alvarado, Third Street, Park View, MacArthur Park, and Westlake, but she declined. "She doesn't get it. She doesn't see it," Alle said.
Street Homelessness and Housing Challenges
The report found street homelessness rose 7.9% in Los Angeles and 3.3% countywide, with an estimated 29,115 people living on the streets in the city. LAHSA attributed the rise to funding cuts affecting Time-Limited Subsidies and other economic factors, which reduced the number of people permanently housed by about 5,100 from the "record high of 28,625 people housed permanently in 2024."
Mayor Bass's Response
In a press release, Bass argued that funding cuts at the federal and state levels contributed to the rise. She also blamed the Trump administration for driving up the cost of gas, groceries, and rent, pushing more families to the edge. Bass emphasized the need for additional resources to address the crisis effectively.
Diverse Perspectives on the Crisis
While Alle and other activists criticize Bass for not engaging directly with the issue, Bass's administration points to systemic challenges, including bureaucratic hurdles and external economic pressures. The debate highlights the complexity of addressing homelessness in Los Angeles, with differing views on the most effective solutions.