Homelessness Rising in Los Angeles

Homelessness is increasing again in Los Angeles, with Mayor Karen Bass pointing fingers at former President Donald Trump for the situation.

The latest annual count shows a 3.4 percent rise in the homeless population, bringing the total to 45,194 individuals in the city and around 72,000 in the county. This increase is disappointing, especially since cities and counties spend about $3 billion yearly on programs aimed at combating homelessness.

When you include those living in evacuation centers and people without shelters outside—like in tents or vehicles—the rise jumps to 7.9 percent compared to last year. This uptick comes after two years of modest decreases that Bass had previously heralded during her re-election campaign.

Bass highlighted the ongoing debate among Democrats by blaming Trump’s federal policies for the increase in homelessness. She stated that the former administration has driven up costs for gas, food, and rent, pushing families into difficult situations and slashing essential safety net funding.

The mayor claimed that federal housing assistance was cut by 50% last year, leading to a loss of $70 million for the city. She noted that while there were significant reductions in homelessness in the previous two years, the recent funding and policy cuts have hampered ongoing efforts to tackle the crisis.

Spencer Pratt, her primary challenger, has a different perspective. He argues that the city’s issue isn’t mainly about homelessness but rather a drug problem, citing that over 90% of the homeless population in Los Angeles struggles with substance abuse.

Regarding the new figures, Pratt described them as “shocking.” While he questions the root causes, Bass has focused on solutions since taking office in 2022. She launched the $250 million Inside Safe initiative to help unhoused individuals transition to permanent housing. However, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority has faced scrutiny over its oversight and management of funds, revealing significant gaps in accountability.

Bass didn’t shy away from acknowledging these issues. She stated, “Funds go untracked, providers go unpaid, and public trust is destroyed.” In her view, a system overhaul is necessary—one that prioritizes results and transparency rather than bureaucratic hurdles.

Despite the challenges, Bass maintained that progress has been made, mentioning that 6,000 people have been transitioned off the streets and over 120 encampments cleared. She pointed out that the overall homeless population has seen an 11% decline since 2023.

However, the recent increase could pose a challenge to her re-election bid, as she will face a left-leaning City Council member, Nitya Raman, in the upcoming November election.