Los Angeles County’s annual tally of unsheltered individuals begins today, Jan. 20, as thousands of volunteers prepare to canvas the region over three nights. It’s a sobering ritual, but one crucial for directing resources to where they’re needed most.
Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count Kicks Off Tonight
The 2026 count, organized by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, aims to provide a snapshot of homelessness across the county.
- The 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count starts Jan. 20 and runs through Jan. 22.
- Volunteers will begin their work each night at 8 p.m.
- The count covers most of Los Angeles County, excluding Long Beach, Glendale, and Pasadena.
- Preliminary results are expected in late spring or early summer.
- This is the nation’s largest unsheltered count.
What factors contribute to the ongoing homelessness crisis in Los Angeles County? The annual point-in-time count, organized by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), is a critical step in understanding the scope of the problem and allocating resources effectively.
Volunteers will be deployed starting at 8 p.m. each night from Jan. 20-22, meticulously counting individuals living in encampments, under bridges, and in other unsheltered locations. The count encompasses Los Angeles County, with the exception of Long Beach, Glendale, and Pasadena, which conduct their own separate tallies.
LAHSA anticipates releasing preliminary results in late spring or early summer. This data will provide a crucial snapshot of homelessness, allowing local agencies to assess progress and refine strategies for addressing this complex issue. The count serves as a vital tool for understanding trends and directing resources where they are most needed.
The annual count provides a snapshot of homelessness to assess progress and guide resource allocation.
