A newborn infant discovered on a Main Street sidewalk last week has underscored the human cost of the region's homelessness crisis, even as thousands of volunteers prepare to fan out across Los Angeles County for the annual homeless count that began Tuesday.
Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to the 2900 block of Main Street at approximately 8:27 p.m. on Jan. 16 after witnesses reported a bleeding woman was walking down the street without clothes. Officers arrived within two minutes and located a conscious, breathing infant who they said had just been delivered at that location.
Santa Monica Fire Department personnel provided immediate medical care before transporting the infant to a local hospital where the newborn is currently reported to be in good health and receiving appropriate care.
Officers subsequently located the infant's mother nearby experiencing a medical emergency. She was also transported to a hospital for treatment. The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services has been notified and will coordinate next steps with medical staff. The investigation into the birth remains ongoing but it serves as a reminder of the perpetual homelessness crisis on local streets.
The incident occurred days before regional leaders gathered Tuesday night to launch the 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, the largest unsheltered point-in-time count in the nation.
"This year's Homeless Count comes at a pivotal moment for our region," said LAHSA Interim CEO Gita O'Neill. "Across Los Angeles, the homeless services system is undergoing major changes, from funding shifts and program transitions to the way outreach, shelter, and housing are delivered."
Thousands of volunteers will canvas LA County over three nights to count every person experiencing homelessness. The count is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and provides essential data that determines how federal, state, and local funding are distributed for housing, shelter, outreach and supportive services.
"When we count every person, we strengthen accountability and affirm the dignity of our unhoused neighbors," said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis.
Tuesday night marked the first night of counting in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys and Metro Los Angeles. Wednesday's count covers the San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles, while Thursday encompasses the Antelope Valley, West Los Angeles, South Los Angeles and South Bay/Harbor areas.
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority has implemented several enhancements for this year's count, including refined digital mapping tools, expanded technical support staff and streamlined volunteer training. 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.
However, the count continues to face questions about its reliability. 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. 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.
Both the city and County of Los Angeles have terminated contracts with LAHSA over concerns about its effectiveness, though LAHSA maintains recent decreases in the count were evidence that its programs work.
"With looming funding cuts at all levels of government, this will give us critically needed data to allow us to advocate effectively," said Amber Sheikh, chair of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority Commission.
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 South Bay region. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, though those 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. To volunteer, visit theycountwillyou.org.
Results are typically released in late spring or early summer.