The Great Los Angeles Unhoused Headcount: More People Than You Can Shake a Stick At (But Maybe Don't, It's Los Angeles)
Ah, Los Angeles. The land of dreams, movie stars, and...a whole lot of people living on the streets. But how many, exactly? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive into the fascinating (and slightly depressing) world of the Los Angeles homeless headcount.
Counting Sheep, or Counting Something Way More Important?
Every couple of years, Los Angeles holds a giant game of "Where's Waldo?" Except Waldo isn't hiding in a striped shirt, he (or she, or they) is trying to catch some sleep under a freeway overpass. This valiant effort is called the Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, and it's a crucial way to understand the scope of the homelessness crisis.
So, How Many Unsheltered Folks Are We Talking About?
Now, for the big reveal. The latest count, conducted in 2023 (because yes, I am up-to-date, unlike your Tinder profile bio), found an eye-watering 55,155 people living unsheltered in Los Angeles County. That's more people than live in a good chunk of small towns, all calling the streets of LA home.
Breaking It Down: From Venice Beach to Skid Row
Here's the thing: not all of LA is created equal. If you're strolling down Rodeo Drive, you're less likely to see someone sleeping in a doorway than if you're walking through Skid Row. That's why the count breaks things down by location. Within the city limits itself, there are an estimated 32,680 unsheltered Angelenos.
Look, Ma, No Roof! But Maybe a Cardboard Box?
Unsheltered means exactly what it sounds like: no fancy apartments, no cozy bungalows, just whatever our creative (and often desperate) friends can cobble together. We're talking tents, cars, shopping carts – the ultimate IKEA hack for living quarters.
Why Should You Care? (Besides the Fact It's Kinda Hard to Ignore)
This isn't just a statistic, it's about people. People who deserve a safe place to sleep, a hot meal, and a chance to get back on their feet. The high number of unsheltered folks in LA is a sign that something needs to change.
So Next Time You See Someone On the Street...
Maybe don't just avert your eyes. Consider donating to a homeless shelter, volunteering your time, or simply saying hello. A little humanity can go a long way, even in the City of Angels.
Because hey, nobody wants to live in a cardboard box next to a movie star's mansion. Let's work on changing that.
