LAHSA’s Sudden Homeless Count Data Revisions Raise Concerns

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A visual representation capturing the diverse living conditions of the homeless population in Los Angeles.

News Summary

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) recently revised the location data of over 400 individuals in its 2025 homeless survey, adjusting the homeless population figure to 43,699. This revision came after a 2.5% decline was initially reported. Local officials expressed frustration due to a lack of communication surrounding these significant changes, raising questions about transparency and data accuracy in the reporting process. Experts highlight the necessity for better collaboration between LAHSA and academic institutions for accurate data.

Los Angeles – The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) has made significant last-minute revisions to the location data of over 400 individuals counted in its 2025 homeless survey, prompting concerns among city officials. The changes, which relocated 437 sheltered individuals out of the city, were not communicated to local elected officials prior to the public release of findings this week, raising questions about transparency and data accuracy.

On July 7, LAHSA initially announced a 2.5% decline in overall homelessness in Los Angeles. However, at the public release of the revised figures, this reduction was touted as being larger at 3.4%. LAHSA attributed the revisions to an error discovered in its new housing inventory system, which misclassified several hundred interim housing units. Following inquiries from local media, LAHSA acknowledged these modifications to city officials on July 10, several days after they were made public.

The final estimate for the homeless population in the city of Los Angeles was adjusted downward to 43,699, a reduction from the previously reported 44,136. This figure includes a 475-person decrease in the count of sheltered individuals, alongside a 38-person increase in the unsheltered population. Despite these changes, LAHSA did not specify which particular shelter locations were affected nor did it detail how the misclassification occurred.

City officials, such as Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, expressed frustration over the lack of clear communication and transparency throughout the counting process. Many local leaders were discontent with being kept in the dark regarding these significant data alterations following repeated delays in updating them on the homeless count.

Concerns surrounding LAHSA’s methodology for classifying housed individuals in their districts were echoed by several elected representatives. The annual homeless count is conducted as a requirement from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help inform funding and resource allocation for homeless services.

Experts suggest that changes in data during homeless counts are common, highlighting the necessity for close collaboration between LAHSA and academic institutions, such as the University of Southern California (USC). While LAHSA asserted that the homeless count adhered to HUD’s regulations and that the data presented met federal standards, the hasty revisions have renewed scrutiny over the agency’s operational integrity.

Multiple city council members and their aides shared their discontent regarding the absence of timely updates and clarity in communication during the reporting period. LAHSA plans to issue a more comprehensive report later this week detailing the 2025 homeless count findings, including demographic breakdowns segmented by council district.

The agency had previously faced delays in informing city officials about the homeless count as they worked to address discrepancies in initial data. As LAHSA gears up for the release of more detailed information, the call for improved transparency and accurate reporting continues to resonate among city leaders and advocates alike.

The revisions and surrounding controversies highlight the ongoing challenges faced by LAHSA and the city of Los Angeles in adequately addressing homelessness, a complex issue that requires consistent engagement and accurate data to better inform solutions.