Thousands Swarm LA County For 3-Day Homeless Count

LOS ANGELES, CA — The three-day 2019 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count begins Tuesday evening with thousands of volunteers set to scan the county in an effort to get an accurate picture of the homeless situation.

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and thousands of volunteers will spend several hours each night recording the number of homeless individuals to help determine the amount of federal and county funds needed for homeless programs.

Last year's count found that the number of homeless in the county fell for the first time in four years to 53,195, or a 4 percent decline.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley- Thomas, L.A. Controller Ron Galperin, and L.A. City Councilwoman Nury Martinez will be among the volunteers, with the leaders also planning an 8 p.m. news conference at a supportive housing complex in North Hollywood.

"Since 2014, L.A. has permanently housed more than 32,000 people. To keep the momentum going, we need your help," Garcetti wrote on Twitter. "Volunteer for the annual Homeless Count -- so we know where our homeless neighbors are, what they need, and how best to serve and shelter them."

Results from the count will be released in May.

City News Service; Photo: A homeless woman, who declined to give her name, eats chicken soup with a piece of bread while others wait in line for food Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, in downtown Los Angeles. According to the annual count released in May by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, Los Angeles County's homeless population has increased to 57,794, a 23 percent jump from last year's count. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)