Updated technology, expanded outreach, and revised counting methods aim to improve accuracy.
Los Angeles officials outlined a series of updates and operational changes ahead of the 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, aimed at improving data accuracy, volunteer experience, and countywide coordination.
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority said the count will again rely on app-based data collection, marking the fourth consecutive year of digital reporting. Officials cited last year’s full digital capture as a success and said the system will return with enhanced mapping tools developed in collaboration with community stakeholders.
To streamline deployment, LAHSA said additional staff will be assigned to provide technical assistance and distribute supplies at staging locations, allowing volunteers to begin counting more quickly. Training materials for volunteers have been simplified, while updated guidance for deployment site coordinators and logistics specialists is intended to ensure consistency across Los Angeles County. Mock deployment exercises are also being held in advance to address potential challenges before the count begins.
LAHSA is coordinating with the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services and the county’s Emergency Centralized Response Center to expand outreach staffing in areas designated as “special consideration” tracts. Those locations include rugged or remote environments such as basins, creeks, and desert areas that are unsafe or inaccessible for community volunteers.
Officials said both the Youth Count and the Housing Inventory Count have been restructured to improve participation and data quality. The Youth Count will shift to a respondent-driven sampling model conducted over 19 days, replacing the previous 10-day approach. The Housing Inventory Count has been revised to involve stakeholders earlier in the process, allowing for improved data review and validation.
Volunteer recruitment remains ongoing. LAHSA said nearly 3,000 people have already registered, with a goal of reaching approximately 4,200 volunteers. Residents interested in participating can sign up at theycountwillyou.org.
The Unsheltered Count will begin Tuesday, Jan. 20, in the San Fernando Valley and Metro Los Angeles. Volunteers in the San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles will count on Wednesday, Jan. 21, with the final night scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 22, covering the Antelope Valley, West and South Los Angeles, and the South Bay and Harbor regions.