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LA County initiates yearly homeless count following wildfire disruption
LA County initiates yearly homeless count following wildfire disruption
ALTADENA, Calif. — Amid the devastation caused by the Eaton Fire, many individuals at a sober-living facility were forced to flee to an alternative location approximately 30 miles away, as the fire threatened their home. Evacuees, including those who had previously experienced homelessness, helplessly watched the destruction unfold via live broadcasts.
The following morning, residents awoke on makeshift bedding, grappling with feelings of loss and uncertainty. Sean Brown, one of the displaced individuals, shared his experience, reminiscing about the vulnerability that returned with the fire: “I had nothing but the clothes on my back. It just brought back all of those feelings of being homeless and a drug addict. It felt as though I was back at square one.”
The two-story residence, known as Art House, was more than just a building — it was a sanctuary surrounded by nature that facilitated recovery and stability for many residents. This site allowed individuals to reclaim their lives, build relationships, and secure employment.
Approximately 50 residents, including Brown, were displaced in January when the Eaton Fire extensively destroyed one facility and damaged another under the care of the Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse. This nonprofit organization plays a vital role in providing both housing and treatment for individuals battling addiction, many of whom have transitioned from living on the streets. Organization leaders indicated that both affected facilities are now uninhabitable and emphasized the urgent need to secure permanent housing for those impacted.
“Our residents are currently housed in temporary accommodations,” stated Juan Navarro, CEO of the nonprofit. “We are exploring interim solutions while simultaneously searching for long-term housing options. The demand for treatment and services has escalated dramatically following the fires.”
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have not solely displaced individuals who were on the path to recovery and have managed to secure housing; they have also underscored vulnerabilities within the broader homelessness response framework in the region. This multifaceted system, which has received substantial financial support from city, county, and state sources in recent years to address California’s homelessness crisis, is under unprecedented stress due to the vast number of individuals now in need.
In the aftermath of the fires, operators of homeless services are urging government leaders to increase funding to accommodate the growing demands for housing and support on the streets. Yet, they face stiff competition for financial resources, as recovery efforts for wildfire-affected areas take precedence amidst tightening budgets.
“Many individuals we assist have experienced complete loss, and as they strive to rebuild their lives, they are now joined by a new wave of displaced persons, all competing for limited resources,” remarked Jennifer Hark Dietz, CEO of PATH, which provides assistance and housing for the homeless.
Concerns over resource allocation
In recent years, both state and local authorities initiated expansive investment strategies to establish numerous temporary and permanent housing solutions. These initiatives facilitated significant progress, with nearly 187,000 individuals still experiencing homelessness in California, including over 75,000 in Los Angeles County.
The 2024 homeless count indicated a remarkable 45% increase in those transitioning from street living into permanent housing, while there was a 32% rise in individuals moving from encampments into temporary shelters, according to Va Lecia Adams Kellum, CEO of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. Overall, this translated to almost 30,000 individuals gaining access to permanent housing options across the county.
Despite a national rise in homelessness of 18% from 2023 to 2024, California recorded only a modest increase of 3%, with Los Angeles County witnessing a slight decrease in overall homelessness. The number of individuals living unsheltered dropped by 5.1% in Los Angeles County, and a more significant 10.4% in the city itself.
However, with tens of thousands of residents displaced following the wildfires and over 16,000 structures destroyed, this progress is now at risk. As affordable housing continues to dwindle, there are growing concerns regarding the prioritization of formerly homeless individuals for available housing, particularly as they compete against a new wave of individuals facing homelessness.
Returning to homelessness
The full extent of individuals returning to homelessness remains uncertain. Street medicine providers and frontline workers report varying situations for those displaced; some secure temporary lodgings in hotels, while others have moved in with relatives or friends. However, there are clear signs of relapses.
“We are observing many individuals moving into their vehicles due to the inability to afford even temporary accommodations,” noted Adams Kellum. “Before the fires occurred, we were already witnessing an increase in the number of vulnerable individuals struggling with their rent — and the increase in competition for housing amplifies the risk of homelessness significantly.”
While efforts have been made to coordinate support services across the expansive region, Adams Kellum emphasized the necessity for additional financial backing to ensure a smoother transition from temporary to permanent housing.
Currently, residents displaced from the Art House will temporarily stay in an vacant building in Santa Fe Springs, which the nonprofit had intended for residential treatment development. Despite this temporary measure, the long-term future for former residents of the Art House is still unclear.
Residents mourn the loss of the transformative environment of the Art House, often referred to as an “empowerment campus.” Despite these challenges, Brown remains committed to his personal growth and is juggling two jobs while pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
Paul Rosales, a 24-year-old recovering from meth addiction, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Art House, stating, “That’s where I found myself; it’s where I built my recovery. There was a beautiful orange tree, and the mountains were just a short walk away where you could meditate and watch the sunset.” He recalled the refuge it provided away from the turmoil of Skid Row.
“I felt safe there; now, that sense of security has been obliterated.”
As individuals navigate their uncertain futures, anxiety looms larger each day, particularly among vulnerable populations such as queer and transgender individuals who had cultivated strong community ties at the Art House.
Straining available resources
Sarah Hoppmeyer, chief program officer at Union Station Homeless Services, expressed concern about the diminishing resources in the wake of these disasters. She underscored the importance of not neglecting those who are still trapped in homelessness, especially many who have been waiting years for a resolution to their housing insecurity.
“We cannot allow the response to the wildfires to detract from the needs of individuals already experiencing homelessness,” Hoppmeyer stated.
Elected officials have made commitments to maintain progress in combating homelessness within Los Angeles County by judiciously reallocating resources while also advocating for an increase in funding. Several voter-approved measures in Los Angeles will play a pivotal role in shaping future responses.
“With the dedication of both existing and enhanced support systems, we can avoid regressing in our efforts to decrease the homeless population,” declared Kathryn Barger, chair of the county board.
As the struggles of those impacted by the wildfires continue, many individuals like Deborah Johnson find themselves in precarious situations, residing in temporary accommodations while confronting the specter of homelessness once again. “Why me?” she lamented, reflecting on her prior experiences of homelessness after fleeing domestic violence.
Historical precedents indicate that significant wildfires have led to subsequent increases in homelessness, such as those witnessed in Sonoma County in 2018 and Maui in 2024, where homelessness rates surged following disastrous fires.
State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, representing areas affected by the wildfires, emphasized her commitment to advocating for increased funding for homelessness solutions as a member of the Senate budget committee. While Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration cites unprecedented financing directed towards local initiatives, many lament the absence of new funds in the annual proposal for addressing homelessness.
“Unfortunately, we have not seen additional allocations in this area this year,” Pérez remarked. “These investments are critical to ongoing support.”
Governor Newsom stated that while the state should not continue to “fund failure,” he remains amenable to discussions with local stakeholders, provided new funding comes with stricter accountability measures aimed at reducing unsheltered homelessness.
He further indicated that the current state budget is under pressure, with a need to balance various issues amid potential loss of essential federal funding, stating, “We have been too permissive regarding encampments and tents. It’s time for a concerted cleanup effort.” Additionally, he accentuated the necessity for local governments to utilize available funding responsibly to effect meaningful changes.
Efforts to bolster homelessness funding continue to gain traction among local leaders like Assembly member John Harabedian, who asserted the urgency of addressing the needs of wildfire survivors while simultaneously combating widespread homelessness across the state.
“Those who have experienced homelessness before and have just begun to stabilize are vulnerable once again and require immediate assistance,” he stated, underscoring the failings of the current system.
This article was produced by KFF Health News, a national newsroom dedicated to in-depth reporting on health issues, forming an integral part of KFF — a reputable organization focused on health policy research, polling, and journalism. KFF Health News also publishes California Healthline, a distinctly independent editorial service of the California Health Care Foundation.
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