In October 2022, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors passed a motion authored by Supervisors Hilda Solis and Janice Hahn to investigate the causes behind the sharp increase in Latinos experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles. According to data from LAHSA’s annual homeless count, Latinos experienced an over 70% increase in homelessness between 2018 and 2023. The 26% increase from 2020 to 2022 was especially notable, given the significant decreases among other demographics during the same time period.
Thus began the process of creating the Task Force on Latinx People Experiencing Homelessness —the group of experts on homelessness charged with creating a detailed report on system reforms that would better serve the Latino population. Over the next year, the Task Force recruited members from service providers, city and county officials, and LAHSA staff. In December 2023, the Task Force held its first meeting, officially beginning the eleven-month report-writing process.
Co-chaired by Dr. Melissa Chinchilla — a LAHSA commissioner appointed by Mayor Karen Bass — and Daniella Urbina — the Housing and Homelessness Deputy for Supervisor Hilda Solis’ Office, the Latinx Task Force meets once a month to hear from subject matter experts from different parts of the homeless services system. The Task Force supplements these meetings by hosting listening sessions and facilitating focus groups. This allows the Task Force to blend feedback from experts and local communities together to create a more comprehensive report.
In October, the Task Force will present its findings to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. From that point on, the Board of Supervisors will create a plan of action to implement these recommendations into our homeless services system. With time, the hope is that these changes create a system that more successfully services the Latino population in Los Angeles.