Los Angeles County Proclaims Youth Homeless Count Week: January 22-31, 2025

Los Angeles, CA (January 7th, 2025) — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a motion, authored by Chair Pro Tem Hilda L. Solis, to proclaim January 22-31, 2025, as the Los Angeles Youth Homeless Count (LA Youth Count) week. The initiative calls for volunteer and community engagement to address the critical issue of youth homelessness in the region.

According to the 2024 Los Angeles Youth Count, approximately 3,277 young individuals in Los Angeles County experience homelessness on any given night. These youth face heightened risks, including substance abuse, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and exploitation through trafficking. Without intervention, many of these young people are at risk of prolonged and chronic homelessness, underscoring the urgent need for stable housing and supportive services tailored to their needs.

In recognition of these challenges, Los Angeles County is amplifying its focus on youth homelessness. The LA Youth Count, conducted separately from the Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, aims to capture accurate data on unsheltered transition-age youth (TAY), unaccompanied minors, and young families. The count is a collaborative effort involving the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), the University of Southern California, youth service providers, and volunteers.

“An overwhelming number of youth experience homelessness each year, and it is critical that we identify and support their unique needs,” stated Chair Pro Tem Solis. “That’s why I have championed the creation of over 170 units of housing for transitional-age youth in Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. By proclaiming the Los Angeles Youth Homeless Count, we aim to inspire our community to participate in this vital effort, enabling the County to develop better-informed strategies to eliminate youth homelessness.”

This proclamation reinforces the County’s commitment to ensuring that young people are represented in efforts to address homelessness. It also highlights the importance of providing them with access to stable housing, connections to caring adults, and essential services.

The LA Youth Count is a crucial component of the County’s broader strategy to combat homelessness, ensuring that no youth in Los Angeles is left behind. For more information on how to volunteer or get involved, visit the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) website.