Long Beach sees decrease in homelessness while Orange County experiences rise

LONG BEACH, Calif. – In a noteworthy turn, Long Beach, California, reports a decline in its homeless population for the first time since 2017, contrasting with a concerning increase observed in Orange County. Newly released data from the 2024 Homeless Point in Time Count reveals significant shifts in homelessness trends within these regions.

Decrease in Homelessness in Long Beach

The city of Long Beach witnessed a positive shift in its homelessness statistics, marking the first decrease in nearly a decade. According to the recent count, Long Beach identified 3,376 individuals experiencing homelessness in January 2024, slightly lower than the 3,447 reported in 2023. Mayor Rex Richardson expressed optimism about this decline, highlighting a reduction in overall homelessness and a substantial decrease in youth homelessness by almost 50%.

For the first time in seven years, we are reporting a drop in overall homelessness, including a nearly 50% reduction in youth homelessness. It’s clear that the work the City has done in addressing homelessness is beginning to turn the tide. These numbers let us know we are on the right track and must continue on in the work, Mayor Richardson stated.

Challenges in Tracking Homeless Spending Effectiveness

Amidst these developments, a state audit sheds light on the challenges faced in tracking the effectiveness of California’s homeless programs, despite significant investments. Over five years, the state allocated $24 billion towards homeless initiatives, yet the outcomes were not consistently monitored.

Demographic Shifts in Homelessness Trends

The recent count reveals notable demographic shifts in homelessness trends:

• Decrease of 49.7% in individuals aged 18-24
• Decrease of 37% among minors (under 18)
• Decrease of 1.4% among individuals aged 25-34
• Decrease of 9.4% among those aged 55 to 64
• Decrease of 3% among individuals aged 65 and older
• Increase of 11% among individuals aged 35-44
• Increase of 6.2% among individuals aged 45-54

Furthermore, there was a decrease of 13% in women experiencing homelessness, while significant increases were observed among transgender individuals (39.6%) and gender-nonconforming individuals (38%).

Ethnic and Racial Disparities

Ethnic and racial disparities also emerged in the data:

• Decrease of 35% among Asians/Pacific Islanders
• Decrease of 22% among Latinx individuals
• Spike of 283% in multiracial individuals
• Increase of 95% among Native American/Alaska Native individuals
• Increase of 7.5% in white individuals experiencing homelessness
• Drop of 0.7% in Black individuals experiencing homelessness

Addressing Veteran Homelessness

While the number of veterans experiencing homelessness increased by 5%, efforts are underway to support this demographic. Housing developments at Heritage Gardens and the Cove aim to house an additional 78 veterans experiencing homelessness in the coming months, reflecting a commitment to addressing veteran homelessness.

Common Causes of Homelessness

The report identifies several common reasons for homelessness, including unemployment/financial issues (38%), family issues (29%), mental health struggles (17%), eviction (17%), disability (13%), and substance use (12%).

Conclusion: Progress and Challenges in Addressing Homelessness

The contrasting trends between Long Beach and Orange County underscore the complexity of addressing homelessness. While Long Beach celebrates a decline in homelessness, challenges persist in tracking spending effectiveness and addressing the needs of specific demographic groups. As communities continue to grapple with this issue, concerted efforts are needed to provide sustainable solutions and support for those experiencing homelessness. For comprehensive coverage of local news and updates on homelessness initiatives, download The Local News App today.

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