Homeless Count Volunteers Needed Across Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES, CA — Want to help make a difference in the homelessness crisis? The Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count is seeking volunteers in communities across Los Angeles County to help conduct the annual census of people experiencing homelessness.

Each year, thousands of volunteers spread out across the 4,000 square miles of LA County to tally people living in tents, vehicles and makeshift shelters. The count, conducted between Jan. 23-25, serves as a snapshot of the region's homeless population and is a bedrock of crucial data for policymakers and social-services providers.

Government agencies, including the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, use the data to steer strategy and determine how to distribute funding, according to LAHSA.

“The annual Homeless Count is an important tool to understand where our neighbors experiencing homelessness are located and to know where services are needed most, so we can help as many people as possible come home,” said LAHSA CEO Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum. “However, we can’t do it alone. We need thousands of people to come out and count as many census tracts as possible so we can deliver accurate results this spring.”

LAHSA is seeking 8,000 volunteers in communities across across LA County to help conduct the count. Volunteers can sign up to help in specific neighborhoods and cities.

Volunteers fan out across assigned areas within their cities and use an app to count the number of unsheltered people living in the area.

Last year's count recorded an estimated 75,518 homeless people living in the county, a 9 percent rise over 2022, according to LAHSA.

To learn more or sign up to volunteer visit the Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count's website.