The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) is a Joint Powers Authority established in 1993 as an independent agency by the County and the City of Los Angeles. LAHSA is the lead agency in the Los Angeles Continuum of Care, and coordinates and manages over $70 million dollars annually in Federal, State, County and City funds for programs providing shelter, housing and services to homeless persons in Los Angeles City and County.
Through LAHSA, funding, program design, outcomes assessment and technical assistance is provided to over 100 non-profit partner agencies who operate within the City and County assisting persons who are homeless achieve independence and stability in permanent housing. Our partner agencies provide a continuum of programs ranging from outreach, access centers, emergency shelters, safe havens, transitional and permanent housing, and prevention along with the necessary supportive services designed to provide the tools and skills required to attain a stable housing environment.
Specialized programs funded through LAHSA address a wide-range of issues related to homelessness, including but not limited to: domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse, job training, family strengthening, health, mainstream benefits enrollment, and most importantly, supportive short and long-term housing.
Additionally, LAHSA partners with both the City of Los Angeles and the County of Los Angeles to integrate services and housing opportunities to ensure wide distribution of service and housing options throughout the Los Angles Continuum of Care.
Origin and Governance
In December of 1993, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the Los Angeles Mayor and City Council created LAHSA as an independent agency. LAHSA's primary role is to coordinate the effective and efficient utilization of Federal and local funding in providing services to homeless people throughout Los Angeles City and County.
A 10-member Commission governs LAHSA. Five members are selected by the County Board of Supervisors and five are chosen by the Mayor and City Council. The Commission is empowered with making budgetary, funding, planning and program policies and decisions.
Our Mission Statement
"To support, create and sustain solutions to homelessness in Los Angeles County by providing leadership, advocacy, planning, and management of program funding." |
