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 Despite billions of dollars allocated to address the issue, outdated and error-prone computer systems hinder the ability to provide essential information about available shelter beds. Better Angels United, a nonprofit organization, is working on a series of mobile-friendly applications aimed at improving outreach and services for the homeless population. The scale of homelessness in Los Angeles County is staggering, with more than 75,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night, representing over 20% of the nation’s homeless population. The lack of a unified system to track available shelter beds exacerbates the problem, as individuals have only a 48-hour window to claim a bed once it is located. Bevin Kuhn, acting deputy chief of analytics for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, highlighted the challenges posed by inconsistent data collection practices among caseworkers. In an effort to address these issues, Better Angels conducted over 200 interviews with various stakeholders in the homeless services sector. The organization aims to create a more efficient system that allows for real-time data entry and better communication between service providers. Current systems, including the Homeless Management Information System, are not optimized for mobile use, leading to delays in data entry and service delivery. As Los Angeles works to upgrade its technology infrastructure, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority is focused on creating a comprehensive database of shelter beds and improving the compatibility of existing systems. The hope is that these advancements will streamline services and ensure that those in need can access them in a timely manner.