Homeless encampments in Hollywood and Venice saw significant reductions last year, according to a recent report from the Rand Corporation. However, the number of people sleeping without tents or shelters has remained steady, which raises concerns about the sustainability of these improvements. The report highlights that while the overall unsheltered homeless population decreased by 15% in the areas studied, the decline was uneven. Hollywood experienced a remarkable 49% drop, while Venice saw a 22% reduction, but Skid Row faced a 9% increase in its homeless population.
The authors of the report attribute some of the positive changes to public policies aimed at increasing housing options, notably Mayor Karen Bass’ Inside Safe program. Yet, they caution that those who remain on the streets are often the most vulnerable. About 40% of the unsheltered individuals counted in December 2024 were found sleeping “rough,” meaning without any form of shelter.
Lead author Louis Abramson noted that while there is progress in getting people off the streets, the health and well-being of those still living outdoors are not improving. Many report deteriorating conditions. The report also indicates that people are moving around more frequently, which complicates outreach efforts and support services.
The Rand study, part of the Los Angeles Longitudinal Enumeration and Demographic Survey (LA LEADS), is the third annual report that tracks homelessness in Los Angeles. Researchers visit the areas every two months to count tents, vehicles, makeshift shelters, and individuals without shelter. This ongoing research aims to provide a more detailed understanding of the homeless population.
The report suggests that Hollywood’s steep decline in homelessness might be linked to the Inside Safe operations, which helped relocate many individuals into temporary housing. In contrast, Venice’s improvements occurred without major interventions. Skid Row, which has a significant portion of the remaining encampments, has seen less clear results from enforcement actions.
A demographic analysis accompanying the report reveals troubling trends among those who sleep rough. Many respondents expressed a desire for housing, yet only a small percentage were on waiting lists or had been offered supportive housing. The report found that older individuals and those with very low incomes were less likely to seek housing assistance.
The study also highlights differences among the three areas. Venice residents tend to have higher education levels and more access to benefits compared to those in Skid Row, who are often older and face more severe health issues. Skid Row is home to about 80% of the remaining tent encampments.
The report concludes with recommendations for policymakers to maintain the positive trends and develop new strategies tailored to the changing demographics of the homeless population. As the number of people sleeping rough remains steady, the challenges for service providers and outreach teams are likely to grow.