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Category: Community News
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Published on Friday, 10 April 2015 15:37
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Written by D.V. Lawrence
On January 27-29th, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) completed the Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, which occurs every two years. This agency, with the help of Federal, State, County, and City funds, provides shelter, housing and services to thousands of homeless in L.A. County. Their main mission, "is to support, create and sustain solutions to homelessness in Los Angeles County." Results of the 2015 survey are not yet available. Contributed by Osmany Felipe, LA High journalism student.
Results of 2013 Los Angeles Homeless survey: Citywide 29,682; Male 19,819; Female 6,809; Male Children 1,574; Female children 1,479 Chronically homeless 7,173; Substance abuse 8,997; Mentally Ill 8,749; Vets 3,403; Aids survivors 283 Domestic violence survivors 2,642; Physical Disability 5,342 AGE 56% 25-54; 11% 18 – 24; 11% under 18; 8% 62+; 14% 55-61 Ethnicity 43% African American/Black 33% White/Caucasian 21% Hispanic/Latino 1% multi racial 1% American Indian/Alaskan native 1% Asian/Pacific Islander Number of Unsheltered Homelessness increased 67% since 2011 Majority of Unsheltered Homeless within LA County (73%) Notable exceptions – CD 5 (65% Sheltered) – CD 6 (51% Sheltered) – CD 14 (51% Sheltered) HOMELESSNESS IN CD10 Compare 2011 to 2013 In 2011 998 total; 763 single adults; 234 family members 1 unaccompanied youth In 2013 1,168 total; 924 single adults; 240 family members 4 unaccompanied youth The City of Los Angeles shows a trend of decreased Sheltered and increased Unsheltered Homelessness. Likely contributing factors to these increases: – Continuing, persistent recession and high unemployment – The loss of critical resources available under ARRA, Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing funds – Lack of adequate affordable housing coupled with rising rents – Prison realignment strategies – Continued use of Community Development Block Grant Program funding formulas that heavily funds "age of housing" structures over lack of affordable housing. – In-migration from surrounding areas
Photo by Osmany Felipe