Volunteers Needed for 2026 Los Angeles Homeless Count

With the annual homeless count approaching, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) is calling for volunteers to assist in this crucial initiative. Scheduled for January 20-22, 2026, the count aims to provide a snapshot of homelessness throughout Los Angeles County, covering a vast area of over 4,000 square miles.

LAHSA has set a target of 6,500 volunteers for this year’s count. As of Monday, 1,500 individuals had registered. According to LAHSA spokesperson Christopher Yee, while the current numbers are below expectations, volunteer sign-ups typically accelerate as the count dates approach. Yee emphasized the importance of recruiting an additional 3,200 volunteers to ensure the count is conducted effectively.

Counting the Unhoused

During the count, volunteers will work in small groups to tally the number of unhoused individuals, makeshift shelters, tents, and vehicles within their designated census tracts. The data collected will play a vital role in shaping the region’s rehousing strategies and directing funding towards services aimed at addressing homelessness.

Yee stated, “During last year’s fires, LAHSA primarily focused on assisting people who were experiencing unsheltered homelessness or were in interim housing sites located near an evacuation zone. We will monitor how the displacement of unhoused individuals after last year’s emergency may impact this year’s count.” This ongoing assessment highlights the need for accurate data in understanding the changing landscape of homelessness in Los Angeles.

The annual count not only provides insights into the extent of homelessness but also informs policymakers and service administrators about effective strategies to tackle the issue. As the lead of the Los Angeles Continuum of Care, LAHSA is dedicated to fostering collaboration among government entities and service providers to create an efficient rehousing system for unhoused individuals in the region.

Count Schedule and Additional Initiatives

The 2026 homeless count will commence in the San Fernando Valley and the Metro area on January 20. On January 21, volunteers will spread out across the San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles. The final day, January 22, will see teams counting unhoused individuals in the Antelope Valley, West Los Angeles, South Los Angeles, and the South Bay/Harbor region.

In addition to the unsheltered count, the Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count also includes a youth and shelter count. The youth count is conducted in partnership with youth service organizations throughout January, while the inventory count for shelters and housing will take place on January 21. Furthermore, a demographic survey of unsheltered individuals, initiated by officials at the University of Southern California in December, will continue through March.

Volunteers interested in participating in the count can register at count.lahsa.org. This initiative not only offers a chance to contribute to a significant cause but also plays a critical role in shaping policies that aim to reduce homelessness in one of the largest urban areas in the United States.