Los Angeles, is known for its diversity and opportunity. However, problems still rise. LA is facing an alarming rise in it’s Latino homelessness. As of 2023, Latinos now comprise 43% of the homeless population in Los Angeles.
This stems from systemic challenges. Poverty, the lack of affordable housing, and the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have joined to barge homelessness into the Latino community. The recent pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities.
To protect, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) has created a comprehensive plan to address this crisis. LAHSA is trying to understand the root causes of Latino homelessness and create solutions.
LAHSA CEO Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum emphasizes, stating, “While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to homelessness, LAHSA seeks to understand the reasons driving the increase in Latino homelessness we have seen in recent years. We are committed to not only understanding cultural factors like language barriers but to learning from the experiences of those impacted in order to improve our services to this population.”
The strategy contains several key components.
A Summit on Homeless Latinos brought together roughly 300 participants for feedback. This summit was the first step to bring together diverse stakeholders to tackle the issue collectively.
An Inter-Agency Team has been formed to develop both short-term and long-term action plans. This team’s work is critical in ensuring that efforts are coordinated across various government departments and agencies, maximizing efficiency and impact.
The Coalition on Latinx Homelessness is a collaborative effort between LAHSA, the County, the City, and community organizations. It’s working with affected communities, holding events and conducting public visits to gather firsthand insights and build trust.
José “Che” Ramírez, the City of Los Angeles Latinx Homeless Advisory Group works on immediate solutions. This is to buy time while longer-term strategies are developed.
LAHSA has an Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) taking steps to address equity issues within the organization. This internal focus is essential in ensuring that LAHSA itself is equipped to serve the Latino community effectively.
LAHSA supports immigrant and undocumented people, and does so by collaborating with consulates from Mexico, El Salvador, and Belize. This cooperation is crucial in addressing the needs of a population that often faces additional barriers in accessing services from our government. LAHSA has a guide on its website which contains surveys to assess the effectiveness of its programs. These practical steps are essential in breaking down language barriers and ensuring that information reaches those who need it most..
However, the success of this initiative relies solely on the effort and commitment from everyone involved. It requires funding, policies, and community support to make the change homeless Latinos in LA need.
