The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to declare housing insecurity a public health crisis.
This move aims to address the growing issue of unstable housing, which affects many residents in the county. The declaration is not an official emergency and does not grant emergency powers, but it directs county agencies to work together on this pressing issue.
Supervisor Hilda Solis emphasized that “unstable housing is not just an economic issue. It is a driver of chronic illness, trauma, family instability, and preventable health disparities.” The resolution instructs the county’s Department of Homeless Services and Housing, the Los Angeles County Development Authority, and other departments to create coordinated plans. These plans aim to preserve existing affordable housing, keep people in their homes, and prioritize the health impacts of housing instability.
Additionally, the supervisors approved a motion to develop a local preference policy for L.A. County-funded housing in unincorporated areas. This policy would give residents in neighborhoods like East Los Angeles and Willowbrook priority access to affordable housing built with county funds.
According to the motion, 59% of renters in unincorporated areas spend more than a third of their income on rent. The county defines “housing insecure” as anyone lacking stable, safe, and affordable housing, including unhoused individuals and tenants at risk of eviction or displacement. Various studies show that housing instability contributes to chronic disease and premature death.
The supervisors voted 4-0 to approve both motions, with Supervisor Kathryn Barger absent due to attending a funeral. Officials also warned of major federal cuts to services like Medi-Cal and CalFresh following the Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” signed last year.
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