The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to strengthen services for pregnant people and new parents experiencing homelessness.
The motion, authored by Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, builds on a November 2024 directive that tasked multiple county departments with developing a comprehensive support plan focused on those living in Skid Row.
"As the safety net for all Los Angeles County residents, including our unhoused pregnant individuals and new parents, we must respond with services tailored to their unique needs," Solis said. "This motion not only strengthens our support for some of the most vulnerable in our community, but reaffirms our commitment to help them navigate pregnancy and parenthood on a path toward long-term stability."
The Department of Health Services' Housing for Health worked with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, the Chief Executive Office's Homeless Initiative, and the departments of Mental Health, Public Health, Public Social Services, Children and Family Services, and the Office of Immigrant Affairs to develop the plan.
A recent report identified current resources, expansion opportunities and additional needs. The report highlighted high pregnancy rates among unhoused individuals assigned female at birth between ages 18 and 44, and emphasized significant barriers they face accessing prenatal care, behavioral health services and maintaining safety during pregnancy and early parenthood.
The county has already increased training for outreach workers, interim housing providers and field medicine teams to better serve this population. The plan emphasizes expanding programs including the Department of Public Health's Project H.O.P.E., a pilot home visitation program, and the Abundant Birth Project, which provides unconditional cash assistance to reduce stress during pregnancy.
Despite these efforts, the report highlights continued challenges faced by pregnant people and new parents experiencing homelessness, with ongoing investment and service improvements remaining critical.
The approved motion calls for further enhancements, ensures integration with the new county department on homelessness once established, and directs continued reporting on services, training, progress and unmet needs to support transparency and increased access to critical county services and resources.
Edited by SMDP Staff