Shocking new figures show LA homeless count spikes despite billions poured into crisis

Los Angeles’ most expensive crisis is moving in the wrong direction.Shocking new numbers show that despite spending nearly $3 billion a year on homelessness programs, the city is expected to report that the homeless population grew in 2026, according to multiple sources familiar with the annual count.The increase, expected to be confirmed Friday when the delayed Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count is released, would reverse two consecutive years of declines.Sources familiar with the findings told The California Post that the number of people experiencing homelessness in the City of Los Angeles increased by about 3.4%, while the number of people living unsheltered on streets, sidewalks and in encampments rose by roughly 7.9%.The spending supports a broad network of homelessness programs, including emergency shelters, motel rooms and permanent supportive housing and affordable housing construction.This year alone, Los Angeles budgeted nearly $100 million for Mayor Karen Bass’ signature Inside Safe program.The initiative funds encampment operations, motel rooms, interim housing, outreach teams and supportive services designed to move people off the streets.City budget documents estimate the program will cost about $34,000 per participant served this fiscal year.The city also continues investing hundreds of millions of dollars in Project Homekey, Proposition HHH housing, rental subsidy programs, Tiny Home Villages and outreach contracts.Separately, Los Angeles County approved a $908 million homelessness budget that funds about 7,200 shelter beds, outreach teams serving roughly 21,000 unsheltered people and more than 3,100 housing navigation slots.Beginning this month, Measure A, the permanent countywide sales tax approved by voters, is expected to generate more than $1 billion annually for homelessness services.Taken together, city and county governments now have nearly $3 billion a year available to address homelessness.The expected count increase is also drawing r...