St. Joseph Center Efforts Help Drive Nearly 20% Decrease in Homelessness in Westside LA

St. Joseph Center and its community and government partners saw encouraging progress in the 2024 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, including a significant decrease in homelessness across Westside Los Angeles.

Service Planning Area 5, where St. Joseph Center is one of the region’s leading homelessness service providers, experienced a 19% decrease in people experiencing homelessness, the largest decrease among Los Angeles County’s eight Service Planning Areas. The area also saw a double-digit decline in unsheltered homelessness.

The results came as Los Angeles County reported broader progress, including declines in unsheltered homelessness and an increase in permanent housing placements.

St. Joseph Center President and CEO Dr. Ryan J. Smith credited collaboration among service providers, local governments, and community partners while acknowledging the work still ahead.

“We certainly have more work to do, but it feels like we’re heading in the right direction,” Smith said.

St. Joseph Center continues to provide housing, outreach and engagement, mental health, and workforce development services throughout Los Angeles County.