A recent independent count of the homeless population in Hollywood revealed no significant reduction in street homelessness, despite ongoing efforts to provide shelter. Conducted by Hollywood 4WRD, a public-private coalition, the count found that while the number of unsheltered individuals remained steady, there was an increase in people living in tents. This finding contrasts with a previous report by the RAND Corporation, which noted a rise in rough sleeping and vehicle dwellers.
The RAND report, released last week, highlighted that the unsheltered population in Hollywood, Skid Row, and Venice remained unchanged throughout 2025. However, it noted a 20% increase in rough sleeping, reaching its highest level in four years. Louis Abramson, the lead author of the RAND study, emphasized the need for tailored interventions to address the diverse needs of the unsheltered population.
Hollywood 4WRD’s recent findings, released Wednesday (May 27), showed a shift in the composition of the unsheltered population, with more individuals living in tents and fewer in vehicles compared to earlier in the year. The coalition’s count involved 60 volunteers who covered the area, aiming to supplement official data with their observations.
Despite the city’s efforts to clear encampments, the number of rough sleepers has increased, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current strategies. Sarah Hunter, a co-author of the RAND report, stated that encampment-based approaches might not be sufficient, as they often lead to more people sleeping without shelter.
Hollywood 4WRD Executive Director Brittney Weissman organized the independent count to gather more accurate data and adjust outreach strategies. The coalition aims to use this information to better serve the homeless community in Hollywood.
As the city prepares for the 2028 Olympics, addressing the homelessness crisis remains a priority. However, with increasing rough sleeping and budget constraints, city officials face challenges in finding effective solutions.
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