Overview

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) is preparing for significant layoffs as part of a major restructuring aimed at transforming the management of homelessness services in Los Angeles County. This decision comes in response to the county's initiative to create a new County Department of Homeless Services and Housing, which will take over responsibilities previously held by LAHSA.

On April 30, LAHSA will issue layoff notices to 284 employees, with their positions officially ending on June 30, coinciding with the conclusion of the current fiscal year. The layoffs will affect both union-represented and non-represented staff.

Key details

  • LAHSA plans to lay off 284 employees as part of a restructuring effort.
  • Layoff notices will be issued on April 30, with positions ending on June 30.
  • The layoffs include 216 union-represented workers and 68 non-represented staff.
  • The cuts comply with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act.
  • Overall, the reorganization will eliminate 414 positions, including 130 vacant roles.
  • This restructuring follows a decision by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
  • A new County Department of Homeless Services and Housing will be created.
  • This shift will transfer responsibilities away from LAHSA.
  • Interim CEO Gita O’Neill expressed gratitude for the staff's dedication and hard work.
  • Under LAHSA's current structure, nearly 80,000 individuals have been housed over the past three years.
  • Data indicates a 14% reduction in street homelessness countywide.
  • There has been an 18% drop in street homelessness within the City of Los Angeles.

Context

The decision to restructure LAHSA and lay off employees comes amid ongoing efforts to address homelessness in Los Angeles County. The agency has reported significant achievements in housing placements and reductions in street homelessness, highlighting the challenges and successes in managing these services.

What happens next

As the layoffs approach, LAHSA will continue to operate under its current structure until the end of June, while the county prepares to implement the new Department of Homeless Services and Housing.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific roles affected by the layoffs, the timeline for the new department's operations, and the long-term impact on homelessness services remain unconfirmed.