ONE BIG THING: HOMELESSNESS IN HOLLYWOOD
What Happened?
A new independent report just dropped, showing encouraging homelessness numbers in Hollywood:
- 49% decrease in unsheltered homelessness in Hollywood—the largest drop among the neighborhoods studied (Hollywood, Skid Row, Venice)
- “Near total elimination of encampments” in Hollywood, and a 40% reduction in people living in vehicles.
- Hollywood residents were more likely to report receiving housing offers in the past 3–6 months compared to past years.
- The median age of the unsheltered population in Hollywood is 38, and 73% are male, and citywide 91% report interest in housing.
At the same time, the report makes it clear we still have serious work ahead:
- The number of people sleeping completely unsheltered (no tent, car, or RV) stayed the same—and now makes up the largest share of the unhoused population in Hollywood
- Fewer people reported receiving essential services like harm reduction supplies, safe sex resources, and documentation support
Why it Matters
These results are independent proof of what we’ve been repeating for years: investing in housing and care-centered services is the most effective way to eliminate homelessness.
This progress was only possible thanks to the added resources like Inside Safe and new interim housing, along with essential coordination and services from the community itself through organizations like Hollywood 4WRD, SELAH, The Center, and so many more.
What’s Next?
The report calls out a key challenge: as we eliminate encampments by adding housing, we need new strategies to support people who are completely unsheltered.These people often need more services and trust-building on their path to stability compared to people who are already connected to community through encampments, jobs, or family.
We’re already implementing new strategies to make sure we’re being proactive and effective. Hollywood 2.0 is helping to surge mental health resources – and the new Hollywood Services Hub will open later this month and feature on-site housing navigation, showers & laundry, and mental health & substance abuse support.
Click here to read the full RAND Report
Three More Quick Hits
- Unmasking the “Federal Agents”
There’s been a disturbing surge of masked, unidentified individuals roaming our streets in unmarked vehicles, claiming to be federal agents — yet refusing to show any badge or judicial warrant.
This week, we confirmed reports of this activity in Echo Park, where we believe “agents” took two people.
In response, seconded a motion from Councilmembers Hernandez and Blumenfield to require LAPD to verify the identity of any individual claiming to be law enforcement. The motion was referred to the Civil Rights & Immigration Committee, where it will be heard before coming to the full City Council for a vote.
- Save the Showers: Update
The Shower of Hope provides thousands of unhoused residents with basic hygiene services and the dignity of a shower.
While funding for this vital program was cut from this year’s budget, we’re using our district’s discretionary dollars to keep it running temporarily in CD13 — while pushing for permanent, citywide funding.
- Echo Park Homelessness Update
While the recent RAND report focused on Hollywood, we’re seeing similar progress across the district.
This week in Echo Park, we joined with the Mayor’s office to bring about a dozen people off the streets and into hotel/motel rooms on the path to permanent housing.
Save the Date – Trainings & Organizing
Saturday, July 5 (Today!) – ICE out of LA Action (Learn How YOU can Protect Your Neighborhood from ICE Raids, @ Placita Olvera)
July 10 & July 15 – Business-Owner Know Your Rights (With Lawyers from Bet Tzedek)
July 10, July 16 & July 24 – Know Your Rights and Policy Updates (Virtual Workshop for Individuals)
Save the Date – Community Events
Saturday & Sunday, July 12 & 13 – Lotus Festival (44th Annual Celebration of Los Angeles’ Asian and Pacific Islander communities)
Sunday, July 13 – ¡Jotería! - A Cultural Pride Event (A day-long celebration of Latinx LGBTQ+ culture, community, and pride! This all-ages event welcomes families, friends, and allies)
Wednesday, July 16 – Lens On Life: Pride in July (Monthly film screening series hosted by CD13 at Barnsdall Gallery Theatre)
CD13 Pet of the Week
Meet Mike, our Pet of the Week!
This handsome Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a short king with a lethal face card, small for his breed but the perfect size to cuddle with!
Mike is currently at the East Valley Shelter awaiting his forever home, c’mon down & meet this cutie.
