The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority announced several enhancements to the 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count ahead of the three-night census scheduled for Jan. 20-22, as the annual survey continues to face questions about its reliability.
The improvements include refined digital mapping tools, expanded technical support staff and streamlined volunteer training materials designed to make the counting process more efficient, according to LAHSA Interim Chief Executive Officer Gita O'Neill.
"LAHSA is continuously looking for ways to execute the Homeless Count more efficiently and provide better data that gives decision-makers the insights needed to end homelessness faster," O'Neill said.
Building on last year's success capturing 100% of data digitally, the count's app-based collection process returns for a fourth year with improved maps developed in partnership with community stakeholders. LAHSA is assigning more staff to deployment sites to provide technical support and help with supply distribution, aiming to get volunteers counting quickly and efficiently.
The agency has simplified training materials and updated protocols for deployment site coordinators and logistics specialists to ensure consistency across the county. LAHSA is also conducting hands-on mock deployment exercises to prepare for the actual count nights.
For hard-to-reach areas, LAHSA is coordinating with the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services and the LA County Emergency Centralized Response Center for additional outreach staff support. These teams will handle "special consideration" census tracts in rugged locations like basins, creeks and deserts that are too dangerous or inaccessible for community volunteers.
LAHSA has overhauled processes for both the Housing Inventory and Youth counts to improve response rates and generate larger samples. The Youth Count methodology now uses a respondent-driven sampling approach over a 19-day survey period rather than a 10-day count. The Housing Inventory Count was updated to engage stakeholders earlier in the process to optimize data review and validation.
The enhancements come as the count faces increasing scrutiny over its accuracy. A 2024 RAND study found LA's official count in areas like Hollywood, Skid Row and Venice was 26% lower than a simultaneous professional count, a gap that widened to 32% in 2025. RAND warned such undercounts could misdirect resources.
Technical errors have also undermined confidence in recent years. In 2022, an entire Venice census tract was initially reported as having zero unsheltered people, an error LAHSA attributed to spotty training and poor internet connectivity. The 2024 count saw similar troubles with the mobile app crashing and login problems.
An LAist investigation found LAHSA excluded more volunteer observations in 2024 than prior years, with only 81% of recorded sightings ultimately counted versus 87% the year before. Almost all dropped data came from within LA city limits. LAHSA explained they remove erroneous entries but had no formal written protocol for these decisions, fueling skepticism about transparency.
Methodology changes have also caused confusion. LAHSA uses statistical multipliers to estimate how many people occupy tents or vehicles, and these formulas have evolved over time. After the 2019 count, LAHSA revised results at the city council district level due to a new estimation method.
Both the city and County of Los Angeles have terminated contracts with LAHSA over concerns about its effectiveness. LAHSA denies any manipulation or wrongdoing, maintaining recent decreases in the count were evidence that its programs work.
Despite the controversies, officials say the count serves critical functions. Year-to-year comparisons help officials understand the scope of homelessness in individual cities, inform policy decisions and determine federal funding allocations.
LAHSA conducts four separate components: the Street Count of unsheltered individuals, a Youth Count surveying unaccompanied youth under 25, a Demographic Survey conducted with USC and a Housing Inventory Count tracking those in shelters and transitional housing. Results are typically released in late spring or early summer.
The count is divided by geographic region. Tuesday, Jan. 20, covers the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys and Metro Los Angeles. Wednesday, Jan. 21, includes the San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles. Thursday, Jan. 22, encompasses the Antelope Valley, West Los Angeles, South Los Angeles and South Bay/Harbor areas.
LAHSA currently has nearly 3,000 registered volunteers but aims for about 4,200 total. The agency is especially seeking volunteers in the San Gabriel Valley, East LA County and the South Bay region.
Volunteers of all ages are welcome, though those 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. The count typically requires three to four hours including training. To volunteer, visit theycountwillyou.org or email homelesscount@lahsa.org.