Los Angeles County reported the first decrease in homeless mortality in more than 10 years, with the mortality rate declining by 10% in 2024 compared to 2023. The county’s Department of Public Health found that 2,208 people experiencing homelessness died in 2024, representing 300 fewer deaths than 2023. This marks the first decrease since 2014, the department’s first year of homelessness mortality data.
Drug Overdose Decline Drives Progress
The drop was in part due to a 21% decrease in drug overdose deaths among homeless people. Despite this progress, drug and alcohol overdose remained the leading cause of death among homeless people in 2024. Other major causes include coronary heart disease, traffic-related injuries, homicide, and suicide. Officials cited a “continuum of services” focused on prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services as contributing to the decrease. The reduced potency of fentanyl was also mentioned as a possible factor, though specific data was not provided.
At-Risk Gains and Federal Funding Concerns
Department of Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer warned that gains risk reversal due to federal and state funding reductions. The department recommended building on interim and permanent housing options, maintaining expanded Medi-Cal enrollment among homeless people, and sustaining and growing mental health services. California faces potential major health care funding cuts; up to 2 million people could lose Medi-Cal by early 2027 due to work requirement changes, with up to 3 million potentially losing coverage by 2028. However, people in substance use disorder treatment programs are exempt from work requirements.
County Response and Future Outlook
In February, county supervisors approved an $843 million spending plan for homeless services and housing, with more than $500 million earmarked for interim and permanent housing. Los Angeles County has proposed a temporary sales tax increase for voter approval that could generate approximately $1 billion annually to mitigate local health care impacts from funding cuts. The next report on homeless mortality rates, reflecting 2025 data, will be released in early 2027.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/california/2026/03/10/la-county-homeless-rate-2026-health-department/89081764007/