Los Angeles, CA, USA – On November 20, 2023, Los Angeles City Council convened to discuss the ongoing homelessness crisis, which continues to plague the city despite significant efforts and funding dedicated to resolving the issue. The council meeting highlighted a sharp increase in homelessness in the region, with more people living on the streets, in tents, or in temporary shelters. The discussion centered around the city’s response, including a $1 billion initiative announced earlier this year aimed at providing permanent housing and expanding shelter options.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who attended the meeting, addressed the concerns raised by activists and community leaders about the inefficiency of current solutions. “We are committed to ending homelessness in Los Angeles, but the reality is that the system is overwhelmed,” Bass said. “We need to rethink how we are approaching this crisis—more affordable housing and better access to mental health and addiction services are critical to resolving this issue long-term.”
The $1 billion initiative, which was approved earlier this year, was designed to provide emergency shelters, mental health services, and long-term housing solutions. However, a recent report showed that the number of people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles has continued to rise, despite these investments. According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), over 70,000 people are currently homeless in the city—a number that has increased by 12% in the past two years.
One of the main challenges highlighted in the meeting was the scarcity of affordable housing, which remains a significant barrier to addressing homelessness. Experts argue that while emergency shelters provide temporary relief, long-term solutions must include building more affordable homes. “There are simply not enough affordable units for the number of people who need them,” said Michael Preciado, an affordable housing advocate. “We need to focus on increasing the housing stock and ensuring that affordable housing is truly accessible to low-income residents.”
At the meeting, community organizations like The People Concern and the Los Angeles Community Action Network (LA CAN) voiced frustration with the lack of tangible progress. “We are continuing to see the same cycle of people being placed in temporary shelters without a real path to permanent housing,” said LA CAN’s Executive Director, Pete White. “The money is there, but the will to create lasting change seems to be missing.”
The city’s response has also been criticized for its heavy reliance on police enforcement and public sweeps to clear encampments, which many activists say only further displaces people without offering any real solutions. Critics argue that police interventions exacerbate the trauma faced by homeless individuals and do not address the root causes of homelessness, such as mental illness, substance use, and the lack of affordable housing.
As homelessness continues to grow in Los Angeles, the question remains: What will it take to make a meaningful impact? Advocates argue that it’s not just about more funding, but about a paradigm shift in how the city approaches housing and homelessness. More comprehensive solutions that focus on prevention, mental health care, and accessible affordable housing are necessary to combat this crisis.
With the situation continuing to worsen, both city leaders and residents are calling for more innovative, compassionate, and sustainable solutions to provide permanent housing and services to those most in need. The outcome of the current debate will likely determine the future of homelessness in one of the nation’s largest cities.
