đź“Š BY THE NUMBERS: 2026 HOMELESS COUNT
What Happened?
The results of the 2026 Homeless Count are in, and for the first time, Council District 13 recorded three consecutive years of declining homelessness.
- Unsheltered homelessness decreased by 21% year over year, and by 40% since we took office
- The number of people in shelters and interim housing increased by 5%, meaning more people accepted housing and services instead of remaining on the street.
The citywide picture, however, tells a more mixed story. Across LA:
- Unsheltered homelessness increased by about 8%.
- The number of people in shelters and interim housing declined by about 4%.
The Bigger Picture
After the dramatic regional decline in homelessness in 2023, progress has largely plateaued over the past two years.
Part of that is because some of the investments that helped drive that progress are beginning to wind down. For example, Proposition HHH, which voters approved in 2016, allowed Los Angeles to build a record number of permanent supportive housing units for people experiencing homelessness.
And while newer efforts like Measure ULA have committed billions toward affordable housing and homelessness prevention, those investments have been overshadowed by even larger funding cuts from the federal government, and at the state level.
Why it Matters
Our district's results show that local progress is still possible. But if we want to see the kind of large-scale change LA deserves, we need to expand these solutions to a regional level.
Here's what has helped drive progress in Council District 13:
- Expanding interim housing so people have somewhere to go while awaiting permanent housing.
- Investing in services and outreach through programs like the new Hollywood Hub.
- Coordinating closely with the Mayor's Office, Los Angeles County, and service providers.
- Building trust with people experiencing homelessness instead of relying on criminalization and punishment.
What’s Next?
These results weren't a surprise to most homelessness experts. We’ve seen the relentless federal attacks on our communities, and those attacks are going to keep having an impact on what we can do.
But this year's count also reinforces something important: we have more evidence about what actually works.
If we want to continue reducing homelessness at a broader level — we need to double down on the strategies that are proven to deliver results: building more housing, preventing people from becoming homeless in the first place, expanding outreach and services, and investing in mental health/addiction treatment.
One More Quick Hit
- 🍿 Dome Sweet Home
The iconic Cinerama Dome is COMING BACK, after Sony Pictures and Alamo Drafthouse announced plans to reopen the Hollywood landmark in early 2028.
Our office is in direct contact with Sony about the reopening process and how the community can be part of it. Because this is much bigger than just reopening a movie theater — it's about restoring one of Hollywood's most recognizable landmarks, supporting the future of the entertainment industry, and bringing new energy to our local economy.
Watch this space in the coming months for renovations/reopening updates, sneak peaks inside the new theater, and ways for the community to get involved.
CD13 Pet of the Week
Meet Shrimp Ravioli, our pet of the week!
Black cats are magical ✨ and Shrimp Ravioli is no exception, she’s super sweet, loyal & is exuding diva energy – she’s the definition of a true companion!
Plus, with a government name like hers, the opportunities for nicknames are endless!
Are you or anyone you know looking to adopt? Visit Miss Shrimp Ravioli at North Central today!
