Kern County

Homelessness Spikes Up 12 Percent in L.A. County

    Homelessness in Los Angeles County spiked by 12% over the past year to reach an estimated 58,936 people, according to figures released today, with the region’s housing costs outpacing wages and forcing people onto the streets faster than authorities can find them shelter. According to data released by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, nearly three-quarters of homeless people are living in cars, tents, makeshift shelters or on the streets without any apparent cover from the elements. “We have the largest unsheltered population in the nation and one of the largest homeless counts across America. Only New York