The Great Los Angeles Headcount: Counting Our Unhoused Neighbors (and Hoping We Don't Get Shooed Away)
Ah, Los Angeles. The land of dreams, movie stars, and... ahem, a sizable homeless population. But just how sizable are we talking? Buckle up, folks, because we're diving into the fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) world of counting our unhoused neighbors.
So, how many Angelenos are living the #vanlife dream (or nightmare)?
The official number, according to the 2023 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, is a staggering 75,518 people in Los Angeles County. That's enough to fill the Rose Bowl... twice! Now, before you imagine a giant stadium rave for the homeless (which would be awesome, but probably not the best use of resources), let's unpack this number a bit.
Here's the not-so-funny part: This is a 9% increase from the previous year. Apparently, Los Angeles is experiencing a housing shortage that even a magician couldn't disappear with a snap of their fingers.
But hey, there's a silver lining (sort of): The increase wasn't quite as dramatic as some past years. Maybe that avocado toast boycott is finally paying off (or maybe not, because rent is still outrageous).
The Great Los Angeles Headcount: A logistical feat (with a dash of chaos)
Counting homeless individuals is no easy feat. It's basically like a giant game of hide-and-seek, except with much higher stakes and the distinct possibility of being offered a gently-used sock. Volunteers bravely venture out at ungodly hours to try and get an accurate picture of the situation.
Imagine the conversations:
- Volunteer: "Excuse me, sir, are you experiencing homelessness?"
- Sleepy Angeleno: "Define 'experiencing homelessness.' Is couch surfing with my bestie considered roughing it?"
- Volunteer: "Uh... maybe? Look, do you have a roof over your head most nights?"
- Sleepy Angeleno: "Well, there's this giant fig leaf..."
Fun fact: Counting homeless people is important because it helps determine how much funding gets allocated to homeless services. So, the more accurate the count, the more resources can be directed to helping those in need.
The Road Ahead: From Counting Sheep to Counting Blessings (and Hopefully More Affordable Apartments)
While the numbers are sobering, there are good things happening. The City and County are working on increasing shelter beds and creating more affordable housing options. Hey, maybe one day we'll be able to count sheep instead of homeless Angelenos (although, sheep can be pretty creepy too).
The bottom line: Los Angeles has a significant homeless population, and it's a complex issue with no easy solutions. But by working together, we can make a difference.
So there you have it, folks! The not-so-secret, but hopefully soon-to-be-smaller, number of homeless Angelenos. Now, go forth and spread awareness (and maybe donate to a homeless shelter – even a gently-used sock can make a difference... probably).
