Homelessness in Los Angeles County increased by 12% over the past year to reach an estimated 58,936 people, based on the results of a point-in-time count released today.
Nearly three-quarters of those people are living in cars, tents, makeshift shelters or on the streets without any apparent cover from the elements.
"We have the largest unsheltered population in the nation and one of the largest homeless counts across America. Only New York has more people experiencing homelessness on any given night," according to Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority Executive Director Peter Lynn.
The city of Los Angeles saw a 16% increase in its numbers.
Despite placing thousands of people into housing, LA County's homeless population rose by 12% in the past year. @KNX1070 pic.twitter.com/dtMGsrUZIj
— Margaret Carrero (@KNXmargaret) June 4, 2019The number of homeless is expected to jump significantly.
Last year's tally was 52,765 homeless countywide with most of them living in cars, tents or on the streets.
"I think everyone saw this coming that the numbers will be up," said LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn.
The problem didn't devleop overnight, she said, and it won't be solved overnight either.
"We have to attack this from all angles. I don't think we can stop trying. I don't think anybody that has a heart inside of them can walk past these homeless encamp and not feel like we need to do something," she said.
The latest #homeless count figures for #LosAngelesCounty will be unveiled today. And they're expected to be a lot higher than last year. @KNX1070 pic.twitter.com/QxuI5VS9qJ
— Jon Baird (@KNXBaird) June 4, 2019Authorities in #LosAngeles say pushback from residents on the #homeless crisis is affecting their ability to solve the problem. A new homeless count, being released today, is expected to show a spike in the homeless population. @KNX1070 pic.twitter.com/XsbF6QaPcL
— Jon Baird (@KNXBaird) June 4, 2019-CNS contributed to this story
