Story perspectives

LA County Ends LAHSA Partnership, Launches New Homeless Services

4/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Los Angeles County will withdraw from LAHSA, citing financial transparency issues, and create a new homeless services department.
Measure A, starting April 1, 2025, will raise sales tax to fund homelessness services and affordable housing, potentially generating over $1 billion annually.
The new agency will receive $300 million from LAHSA by July 2026, with oversight committees for spending accountability.
Critics highlight a 37% rise in homelessness since Measure H, questioning the effectiveness of past funding.

History

Historical Context

Los Angeles County's shift from LAHSA mirrors past governance changes amid rising homelessness. In 2016, the Board declared a state of emergency as homelessness surged 65% from 2020 to 2022. Previous funding failures raise skepticism about new measures, reflecting a longstanding struggle to effectively address this crisis.

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Story summary

Los Angeles County will withdraw from LAHSA, citing financial transparency issues, and create a new homeless services department.
Measure A, starting April 1, 2025, will raise sales tax to fund homelessness services and affordable housing, potentially generating over $1 billion annually.
The new agency will receive $300 million from LAHSA by July 2026, with oversight committees for spending accountability.
Critics highlight a 37% rise in homelessness since Measure H, questioning the effectiveness of past funding.

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