Homeless mortality in Los Angeles County has declined for the first time in a decade, according to the Department of Public Health. The report released on March 5, 2024, reveals a 10% decrease in the overall rate of homeless deaths, attributed largely to a significant reduction in overdose fatalities. The county reported a total of 2,208 deaths among the homeless in 2024, down by 300 from the previous year. Despite this positive trend, the figure still equates to more than six deaths per day and remains over four times the overall mortality rate for the county.
The analysis highlights drug overdoses as the leading cause of death among the homeless, accounting for 40% of all fatalities, followed by heart disease at 14% and traffic accidents at 11%. The findings indicate a continued improvement in the homeless mortality rate, which had previously shown slight increases over the past two years, following a staggering 56% rise over the preceding two years.
Health officials attribute this decline to enhanced overdose prevention efforts and improved access to mental health and substance use treatment services. Barbara Ferrer, the public health director, noted the critical importance of these services, stating, “At a time of major reductions in federal and state funding for homeless services and supports, we are at risk of losing precious ground and seeing an increase in the number of vulnerable people losing their lives.”
The report indicates that while overdose deaths among the homeless have decreased, they remain disproportionately high compared to the general population. Overdose fatalities were reported to be 46 times more prevalent among homeless individuals, a rise from 40 times in the previous year. Gary Tsai, director of the county’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Control Bureau, highlighted the role of county initiatives in reducing fentanyl-related deaths and improving access to Naloxone, a life-saving overdose reversal drug.
Efforts to transition homeless individuals into housing have also contributed to a 12% reduction in deaths attributed to heart disease. Tsai noted, “Housing is the biggest determinant of health outcomes including heart disease. If someone is housed, one of their needs is already addressed. They can spend their time on other things.”
The report also underscores the vulnerability of homeless individuals to traffic accidents, with 30% of all traffic deaths in the county involving unhoused people. The 315 traffic deaths recorded in 2024 represented a 25% increase from the previous year. Will Nicholas, director of the health department’s Center for Health Impact Evaluation, discussed the challenges of addressing these incidents, emphasizing the need for strategies that consider the widespread nature of the homeless population.
The annual report, compiled from records provided by the Los Angeles County medical examiner, follows guidelines from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It includes individuals living in shelters and unsheltered settings but excludes those who have transitioned into supportive housing.
Despite the encouraging trends, the sustainability of these declines faces significant challenges. Recently, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors announced cuts of $200 million to homelessness programs, primarily funded by the Measure A half-cent sales tax. These cuts have affected various services, including a $27 million reduction in outreach and navigation programs and a two-thirds cut to a program aimed at moving individuals out of encampments and into shelters.
Moreover, a proposed budget by Governor Gavin Newsom includes a 50% cut to the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, which funds operational costs for shelters and housing providers. The potential discontinuation of federal funding for homeless-specific programs further complicates the situation, as these programs prioritize housing individuals before addressing underlying issues such as addiction and mental health.
As Los Angeles County navigates these complex challenges, maintaining momentum in reducing homeless mortality will require a concerted effort to ensure continued funding and support for essential services. The recommendations outlined in the report emphasize the need for affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and targeted training for shelter staff on suicide prevention, all crucial for sustaining progress in this critical area.
