LA County launched a new homeless-services department on January 1, 2026

A new department launched in January

Los Angeles County launched its Department of Homeless Services and Housing (HSH) on January 1, 2026, following a Board of Supervisors motion passed in April 2025. HSH brought together the county’s Homeless Initiative and Housing for Health, which had operated in different parts of county government. [1]

The Homeless Initiative, launched in 2015, coordinated countywide homelessness strategies. Housing for Health, formerly part of the Department of Health Services, operated an integrated continuum from street outreach to permanent housing, with case management, benefits advocacy and clinical services. The county described HSH as a way to unify those functions and clarify authority. [1] [2]

Outreach, housing and support continue

HSH says its continuing work includes street-based engagement and outreach, interim and permanent housing, benefits assistance, the Homeless Prevention Unit, and encampment resolutions through Pathway Home. The department also describes wraparound clinical services and targeted homelessness prevention among its programs. Housing for Health’s transfer to HSH took effect January 1, according to the Department of Health Services. [1] [2]

The county presented the new structure as a way to strengthen accountability and transparency, streamline collaboration with service providers and the county’s 88 cities, councils of governments and unincorporated areas, and improve care. Those are the department’s stated goals. [1]

LAHSA retains regional duties

The launch did not abolish the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). HSH identifies LAHSA as an integral partner that continues to manage important Continuum of Care functions, including the Homeless Management Information System and leadership of the Point-in-Time Homeless Count. [1]

Measure A is the largest funding source

HSH identifies Measure A, the sales tax dedicated to homelessness and housing, as its largest funding source. Other sources include state and federal programs and agreements with county departments, local jurisdictions and other entities. The county says how Measure A funds administered by LAHSA will be handled by HSH will be determined in the 2026–27 spending plan. [1]

HSH says the structure places contract management, program oversight and fiscal accountability under one department and makes service information available through public dashboards and reporting tools. These are part of the county’s stated accountability approach. [1]