Last fall Los Angeles County voters gave the region a clear message when they voted to approve Measure A – they would continue to fund efforts to reduce homelessness, as long as funding was coupled with increased transparency and accountability. To deliver on this commitment, Measure A included clear goals and measurable targets for the region to measure its progress on getting people off the street and into housing. Earlier this month the members of the Executive Committee for Regional Homeless Response (ECRHA) approved the region’s first set of goals, marking a significant milestone in the region’s collective effort to combat homelessness.​

Preliminary Key Targets Established:

  1. Reduce Unsheltered Homelessness: Decreasing the number of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness and living in encampments by 30%.​
  2. Increase Permanent Housing Placements: Boost the number of people transitioning into permanent housing by 60%.​
  3. Prevent Homelessness: Reduce the inflow of newly homeless individuals by 20%.
  4. Address Mental Illness and Substance Abuse: Decrease by 15% the number of people experiencing homelessness and suffering from mental illness.
  5. Keep People Housed: Increase by 100% the number of people who stay in new permanent housing for more than two years. 

Why This Matters to Angelenos:

  • Enhanced Community Well-being: By getting more Angelenos off our streets and housed for good, neighborhoods across Los Angeles can have improved quality of life, public health and safety.​ 
  • Economic Benefits: Tackling homelessness strategically and proactively saves public dollars that would otherwise go to pay for costly emergency room visits and law enforcement. This is especially critical as the government faces ongoing budget challenges.​ 
  • Social Responsibility: These initiatives reflect our commitment to helping our most vulnerable neighbors. Ensuring that all residents have access to safe and stable housing will not only improve the lives of those we help – but assures a thriving Los Angeles for all.​

What’s Next:

Final approval of these goals is set to go to the full Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for a vote at their March 25th meeting. In addition, discussion of budget impact of these goals and ways to maximize impact of a variety of funding sources along with Measure A will also be on the agenda. We encourage you to review the agenda here and join the meeting here to tune in, and voice your support as we work together to deliver results and guarantee accountability. 

As Angelenos, staying informed and engaged with these initiatives is crucial. Together, we can contribute to a future where everyone has a place to call home.