A new study found significant decreases in the number of homeless people in certain parts of Los Angeles.
The study, conducted by the Rand Corporation, found that while the number of unhoused residents went up 9% in Skid Row, it dropped 49% in Hollywood and 22% in Venice.
“Overall, we found that the total number of unsheltered people dropped by about 15%, and this is the subset of unhoused folks, a subset of people experiencing homelessness who we see living in tents or in vehicles or just rough sleeping exposed on the street as we walk around Los Angeles,” Louis Abramson, the study’s lead author, told KNX News’ Jon Baird.
Abramson added that he thinks the city’s efforts to address the issue in Hollywood has made a difference.
“Every neighborhood that we studied saw a turnover in the population, probably driven by the fact that Los Angeles did a good job of opening permanent supportive housing last year and moving people into it at a new rate,” he said. “ I think, according to county records across the entire county, placements into permanent housing rose by about 26% last year. So more folks were moved into permanent housing, which probably opened spaces and shelters, which allowed more people to come off the street.”
Want to get caught up on what's happening in SoCal every weekday afternoon? Click to follow The L.A. Local wherever you get podcasts.
But some people in Hollywood told Baird they’re having a hard time believing there’s a decrease.
“I haven't seen the decrease at all,” one person said.
“Well, I don't believe it,” another person said. “Seeing is believing.”
Rand noted that it may be tougher to get the remaining people off the streets for several reasons, including the fact that they tend to be more socially isolated and have higher needs, like the need for mental health treatment.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
