L.A. Homeless Veteran Count Underestimated, Records Show
Los Angeles’s internal “By-Name List,” a real-time count of individuals experiencing homelessness, reveals discrepancies in the reported number of veterans without housing in the city, potentially impacting resource allocation.
The list, used by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) and its partners, indicates a gap between the officially reported figure of approximately 4,000 homeless veterans and the actual number identified through direct outreach. Concerns arose after analysis showed veterans were sometimes miscategorized or not included on the list at all. LAHSA maintains the By-Name List to track individuals and connect them with services, a crucial component of the city’s efforts to end homelessness.
According to sources familiar with the data, the discrepancies stem from challenges in verifying veteran status during rapid assessments and difficulties in maintaining accurate records as individuals move between shelters and the streets. “We’re constantly working to improve the accuracy of the By-Name List, and this is a reminder of the complexities involved in counting a highly mobile population,” said a LAHSA representative. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a range of support services for veterans experiencing homelessness, including housing assistance and healthcare; finding accurate counts is vital to ensuring these resources are effectively deployed.
The findings have prompted calls for a review of LAHSA’s data collection procedures and increased collaboration with the Veterans Affairs to improve identification and outreach efforts. Accurate data is essential for securing federal funding and tailoring programs to meet the specific needs of this vulnerable population. You can find more information about veteran homelessness at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
LAHSA officials stated today they are implementing new training protocols for outreach workers and exploring technological solutions to enhance data accuracy and ensure all eligible veterans receive the support they deserve.
