Los Angeles Faces Increased Homelessness, Challenging Mayor Karen Bass's Reelection Campaign
The city of Los Angeles has experienced a rise in homelessness, presenting a significant challenge to Mayor Karen Bass as she seeks reelection. According to data from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), the unsheltered homeless population in Los Angeles increased by 7.9% after two years of decline. Overall homelessness, including those in shelters, rose by 3.4%. These figures were revealed in closed-door briefings and have not been publicly discussed by LAHSA. Mayor Bass, who has prioritized reducing homelessness, attributed the increase to funding cuts and inadequate county services. Despite these setbacks, she highlighted a reduction in unsheltered homelessness by 11% since 2023 and the housing of over 1,000 homeless veterans. The mayor's efforts, including the Inside Safe program, have moved over 6,000 people into temporary housing, though 41% have returned to homelessness.