On March 18, 2023, California’s homelessness crisis was the subject of a major public forum in Los Angeles, as city officials, homelessness advocates, and residents gathered to discuss innovative solutions and the continuing challenges of addressing homelessness in one of the nation’s most populous cities. With a homeless population exceeding 66,000 in Los Angeles County alone, the need for comprehensive, actionable plans has never been more pressing.
The forum served as a critical reflection of the progress made and the challenges that remain in combating homelessness in California’s largest city. Mayor Bass’s administration has pushed for a more aggressive approach to affordable housing development, proposing new housing projects for those at risk of homelessness, including affordable rental units and housing-first initiatives that place people in permanent homes with wraparound services like job training and mental health care.
The city of Los Angeles, along with other major California cities, has faced significant barriers to addressing homelessness, including high housing costs, a lack of affordable housing units, and insufficient mental health and addiction treatment programs. Despite increases in funding and housing projects over the past few years, the number of homeless individuals continues to rise, largely due to the growing affordability crisis and insufficient resources to meet demand.
At the forum, advocates for homelessness reform emphasized that solutions must go beyond simply increasing the availability of shelters. They called for a more holistic, coordinated approach that addresses the root causes of homelessness, such as unemployment, mental health issues, substance abuse, and systemic poverty. Many also pushed for greater involvement from the private sector, urging large real estate developers to contribute to affordable housing solutions and work with local governments to create long-term plans.
The event in Los Angeles concluded with a renewed commitment to take immediate, comprehensive action on homelessness. The key takeaway was clear: California must scale up efforts to address the root causes of homelessness, provide more permanent housing solutions, and ensure access to critical services. The state’s ability to create a sustainable, inclusive approach to homelessness will have lasting implications for the well-being of its residents, particularly the most vulnerable.
