LOS ANGELES, Calif. –Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, who represents the 2nd District, released the following statement in response to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count results which showed a 1.2% increase in homelessness across the Los Angeles Continuum of Care compared to last year.

“Today’s numbers are a sobering reminder that cuts to funding and delays in proven solutions can quickly undermine the progress we’ve made in addressing homelessness. The reality is that for every person we house, two more fall into homelessness. Ending this crisis requires sustained collaboration and investment at every level of government.

The Point-in-Time Count provides an important snapshot—not the full picture—but one that must inform our response. That includes ensuring the County’s new Department for Homeless Services and Housing fulfills its mission to close gaps, strengthen accountability, and better coordinate efforts across city, county, and community partners. As I’ve said before, this department cannot afford to fail.

We must also acknowledge the factors driving this year’s results, including reductions to state rental assistance programs, the federal suspension of Continuum of Care funding, and rising housing and living costs that are pushing more families toward housing instability.

I want to be clear that these results are not a reflection of the thousands of outreach workers, case managers, faith leaders, and volunteers who work every day to help our unhoused family, friends and neighbors find stable housing. Their efforts have produced measurable progress, including through the County’s Pathway Home program, which is helping people living in RVs move into housing while removing unsafe encampments.

Now more than ever, we need our city, county, state, and federal partners to protect the investments that make housing, treatment, and homelessness prevention possible. My office remains committed to that work and to ensuring every Angeleno has the opportunity to find a safe place to call home.”