Thousands of Volunteers Needed for LA County’s 2026 Homeless Count

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) is calling for volunteers to participate in the annual homeless count scheduled for January 20-22, 2026. As of now, approximately 1,500 volunteers have registered to help with this effort, far below the target of 6,500. The count plays a crucial role in assessing homelessness across Los Angeles County, spanning over 4,000 square miles.

LAHSA began recruiting volunteers in October, aiming to finalize the count’s logistics in the coming weeks. According to LAHSA spokesman Christopher Yee, sign-ups typically increase as the event approaches. He noted, “An additional 3,200 people will help ensure the job is completed smoothly.” Interested individuals can sign up at count.lahsa.org.

The homeless count involves thousands of volunteers who work in small groups to tally the number of unhoused individuals, tents, makeshift shelters, and vehicles within their assigned census tracts. This data is essential for guiding funding allocation, housing initiatives, and service provisions in the region.

Understanding the Impact of the Count

The annual count provides critical information about the extent and nature of homelessness in Los Angeles. This data empowers policymakers and service administrators to make informed decisions regarding strategies to address the issue effectively. “As the lead of the Los Angeles Continuum of Care, LAHSA is committed to bringing government and service provider partners together to shape an effective, efficient rehousing system that brings unhoused Angelenos off the streets,” Yee stated.

The count will kick off in the San Fernando Valley and the Metro area on January 20. The following day, volunteers will focus on the San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles. On the final day, January 22, volunteers will cover 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 includes a youth and shelter count. The youth count is conducted in partnership with local service organizations throughout January. On January 21, volunteers and LAHSA officials will also conduct the shelter and housing inventory count.

Ongoing Research and Community Engagement

In conjunction with these efforts, officials from the University of Southern California began a demographic survey of unsheltered individuals in December, which will continue through March. This research aims to provide deeper insights into the challenges faced by unhoused individuals in the area.

The homeless count is a vital endeavor that not only highlights the ongoing crisis but also engages the community in addressing homelessness. The participation of volunteers is essential for ensuring a comprehensive and accurate count, which will ultimately aid in shaping effective solutions for the future.