Los Angeles Struggles with Homelessness Amidst Technological Challenges

Los Angeles has become the focal point of the homelessness crisis in the United States, with over 45,000 individuals living in makeshift encampments and RVs. Despite billions of dollars allocated to address the issue, outdated and error-prone computer systems hinder effective service delivery. Better Angels United, a nonprofit organization, is working on a series of mobile-friendly applications aimed at improving outreach and shelter services for the homeless population, which accounts for more than 20% of the nation’s unhoused individuals. The lack of a unified system to track available shelter beds exacerbates the problem. Currently, no comprehensive database exists to provide real-time information on bed availability, and once a bed is located, individuals have only 48 hours to claim it. Bevin Kuhn, acting deputy chief of analytics for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, highlighted the challenges posed by inconsistent data entry practices among caseworkers, which complicates the coordination of services. The existing federal data system, known as the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), is primarily designed for desktop use, making it cumbersome for caseworkers who often rely on mobile devices for data collection. This inefficiency leads to delays in service provision, as caseworkers may not input data until they return to their desks, sometimes days later. Efforts are underway to enhance the HMIS and create a more compatible system that can streamline data entry and improve service delivery. As Better Angels continues to develop its app, there is hope that it will facilitate quicker access to services and reduce the number of individuals missing critical housing opportunities. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority aims to have a database of 23,000 beds operational by year-end, marking a significant step toward addressing the complexities of homelessness in the region.