Homelessness intersects with many policy areas, including housing, economic development, public health, criminal justice, and racial and social justice. With over 66,000 people experiencing homelessness in 2020, up 13% from the previous year, homelessness is a growing problem for L.A. County that has likely worsened during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  It is important to understand how many people are experiencing homelessness in the county and where they reside. This data can help policymakers decide where to direct resources and build shelters and new affordable housing.

To measure the homeless population in Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority (LAHSA) conducts a Point-in-Time (PIT) Count one night in January each year. They count both unsheltered people living on the street, abandoned buildings, and other places not meant for human habitation, as well as sheltered people living in homeless shelters or other government or non-profit funded transitional housing.