The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has decided to create a new department to handle homelessness services, moving over $300 million from the existing Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). This decision, made during a meeting on Tuesday, was approved with a 4-0 vote, despite concerns raised by L.A. Mayor Karen Bass.
The new department is expected to have an initial budget exceeding $1 billion. By January 2026, more than 700 county employees will transfer to this new agency, with additional staff expected to follow. The move is part of a broader strategy to improve oversight and accountability of homelessness funding, particularly the money generated from Measure A, a recently enacted half-percent sales tax aimed at supporting housing and homelessness programs.
Supervisors believe that these changes will streamline services and enhance the management of funds. They expressed frustration with LAHSA, which has faced criticism for its handling of contracts and programs. The creation of the new agency follows recommendations from a commission that called for a more effective approach to addressing homelessness in the area.
However, Mayor Bass and several city council members voiced strong opposition. They argue that this shift could disrupt ongoing efforts to combat homelessness and could deprive the city of essential resources. Bass warned that the changes might worsen the homelessness crisis rather than alleviate it.
The debate over this decision highlights the ongoing struggle to effectively address homelessness in Los Angeles, where the number of people living on the streets remains a pressing issue. Critics of LAHSA point to audits that have revealed significant gaps in financial oversight, raising concerns about waste and inefficiency in the current system.
The new agency will be modeled after successful programs within the county, particularly the Department of Health Services’ Housing for Health initiative, which has been praised for its effectiveness in moving homeless individuals into permanent housing.
As the county moves forward with this plan, the future of LAHSA hangs in the balance, with many wondering how these changes will impact the fight against homelessness in Los Angeles.