Topline:
The annual L.A.-area homeless count will now take place in mid-February, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority announced Tuesday.
Why now: The count had been scheduled for this week but was delayed because of the wildfires. It is now set to happen Feb. 18 through 20.
Why it was postponed: The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority said earlier this month that disruptions and evacuations caused by the recent fires would compromise the accuracy of the data and the safety of participants and volunteers.
Statement from LAHSA: “The safety of our volunteers and unsheltered neighbors is vital,” said LAHSA CEO Va Lecia Adams Kellum. “We are grateful for the flexibility and understanding of our partners and volunteers as we strive for a safe count.”
The goal: Data from the Point-In-Time Count is used to inform city and county authorities about the unhoused population and help them make decisions about policies, programs and funding.
What’s next: It remains unclear whether the delay will affect the count. LAHSA usually releases the results of the homeless count to the public in late spring or early summer.
LAist reporter Aaron Schrank contributed to this report.
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