Overview

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) announced plans to lay off 284 employees, attributing the decision to the county's withdrawal of funding and the establishment of its own homeless services department. This significant workforce reduction is set to take effect on July 1, coinciding with the start of the new fiscal year.

LAHSA, a joint agency formed in 1993, has faced scrutiny over its oversight and financial management, leading to the county Board of Supervisors' decision to shift funds and programs away from the authority. Employees have expressed concerns that these layoffs will exacerbate the homelessness crisis.

Key details

  • LAHSA plans to lay off 284 employees.
  • The layoffs are primarily due to the county's decision to withdraw funding.
  • The county is establishing its own homeless services department.
  • LAHSA was formed in 1993 as a joint city-county agency.
  • The agency receives funding from various sources, including the city, county, state, and federal government.
  • The layoffs will take effect on July 1, the beginning of the new fiscal year.
  • LAHSA employees have warned that the layoffs will lead to increased homelessness and unsafe living conditions.
  • Of the employees being laid off, 216 are represented by SEIU Local 721, while 68 are non-union staff.
  • The exact number of employees who will ultimately lose their jobs remains unclear.
  • LAHSA has employees funded by both the city and county.
  • The county is working to find jobs for departing county-funded LAHSA workers.
  • Jesus Ruiz, a spokesman for the county Chief Executive Office, indicated efforts are underway to identify which employees qualify for reemployment.

Context

The decision to lay off employees comes after years of criticism regarding LAHSA's management and oversight, prompting the county to take action to improve homeless services through its internal department.

What happens next

As the layoffs approach, LAHSA and the county will continue to work together to determine the employment status of affected workers, particularly those funded by the county.

What we don't know yet

It is unclear how many of the 284 employees will ultimately lose their jobs and the specific details regarding the reemployment of county-funded workers.