The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) has announced enhancements to the upcoming 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, calling on volunteers and community members to help document homelessness across the region. Registration is open now at count.lahsa.org.
The annual Point‑in‑Time count provides a snapshot of people experiencing homelessness, including those sleeping on the streets and in shelters, and informs policymakers, service providers, and funders on where resources are most needed.
Recent Data Shows Slight Decline
According to the 2025 Homeless Count, Los Angeles County’s homeless population decreased slightly to approximately 72,308, down about 4% from 2024. The city of Los Angeles itself saw a decline to around 43,699 people, a 3.4% drop from the previous year.
The largest decreases were among the unsheltered population, which fell 9.5% countywide and 7.9% in the city. These trends mark the second consecutive year of modest reductions, following years of rapid growth in the late 2010s and early 2020s.
What’s New for the 2026 Count
LAHSA is introducing several improvements for 2026 designed to make the count more accurate, efficient, and accessible:
- Updated digital tools: The app-based data collection platform now features smoother interactive maps for volunteers.
- Expanded training and support: Simplified resources and additional staff will assist volunteers and site coordinators.
- Enhanced methodology: Youth counts will use a respondent-driven sampling approach, and Housing Inventory Count partners will be engaged earlier.
- Targeted outreach: Collaboration with county health services and emergency response centers aims to cover hard-to-reach areas.
“The Homeless Count provides critical insights about our unhoused neighbors,” said LAHSA Interim CEO Gita O’Neill. “Community participation is key to ensuring we have accurate data to guide services and policy.”
Why Volunteer Participation Matters
Volunteers play a vital role in the success of the Homeless Count. They help canvass neighborhoods, interact with unhoused individuals respectfully, and record data that directly influences funding and policy decisions.
In addition to volunteering, LAHSA provides interactive data dashboards through its Data Refresh platform, allowing community members and policymakers to track trends in homelessness across cities, neighborhoods, and council districts. (lahsa.org/data)
Resources and Advocacy Opportunities
For those looking to engage further, LAHSA offers a range of policy and legislative resources. These tools help residents, service providers, and advocates navigate local, state, and federal policies related to homelessness, including funding opportunities and advocacy strategies. (lahsa.org/policy/legislative-affairs?view=vwResources)
How to Get Involved
Residents, students, and community organizations can sign up now to volunteer for the 2026 Homeless Count at count.lahsa.org. Participation not only supports accurate data collection but also strengthens efforts to provide housing, shelter, and resources to Los Angeles’ unhoused population.
Quick Links:
- Volunteer & Count Info: count.lahsa.org
- Homeless Count Data Dashboards: lahsa.org/data-refresh
- Policy & Legislative Resources: lahsa.org/policy/legislative-affairs?view=vwResources
Photo credit Photo by Milan Cobanov
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