The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) has released the community-level data from the 2020 “point-in-time” homeless count, which was conducted in January.
Results from the 2020 Los Angeles County Homeless Count indicate that while the total number of people experiencing homelessness has increased overall in the county, the number of homeless individuals has decreased in Palmdale, reporting 289 people experiencing homelessness, down from 325 reported in 2016. Overall LA County numbers increased from 39,587 in 2016 to 54,291 in 2020.
“The homeless numbers on average have risen 37 percent since 2016 in LA County,” said Palmdale City Manager J.J. Murphy. “Through the hard work of our staff and collaborative efforts with our incredible partners, the city of Palmdale has seen an 11-percent reduction in our homeless count. We are committed to invest in successful strategies to assist those in need and raise the overall quality of life in our community.”
Palmdale’s comprehensive Homeless Prevention Plan outlines specific goals which include homelessness prevention, creation of pathways to housing including new housing opportunities, empowerment of local service providers with resources/information and measuring/tracking local progress. Collaboration and accountability are at the heart of the local approach to prevent, reduce, and ultimately end homelessness. Partnerships and collaboration with providers are essential to carrying out the plan.
“One of our key providers is Valley Oasis, a regional service provider that is the tip of the spear for our team effort in the community,” said Palmdale Mayor Steve Hofbauer. “Their outreach teams are outstanding, and they have been invaluable in collaborating with the city and Northrop Grumman on the Taking Flight program, a job placement resource.”
“Valley Oasis and the city of Palmdale have worked together to have a positive impact on our community,” said Valley Oasis CEO Carol Crabson. “We attribute the decline in homelessness within the city due to the close partnership we have developed over the years. It is exciting to see what tomorrow will bring.”
Another key partner in addressing homelessness in Palmdale is Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHA). “MHA is not only our mental health experts in the region for addressing those needs for our homeless, but they are also a partner for helping our homeless Veterans,” said Mayor Pro Tem Richard Loa. “They are a major partner with regard to the special needs units in the new Courson Arts Colony.”
“Mental Health America of Los Angeles has greatly appreciated working with the city of Palmdale for more than 30 years, with the goal of providing first-class mental health and veterans services,” said MHA Chief Advancement Officer, North County Judy Cooperberg. “It is through true partnerships that we can improve the quality of life for our struggling neighbors.”
