The Housing and Homelessness Committee of Los Angeles convened on September 17, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding the city's ongoing homelessness crisis. The meeting focused on the current gap in available housing units, proposed plans to fill this gap, and the financial implications of these initiatives.

The committee began by outlining the existing shortfall in housing units. Currently, Los Angeles requires 12,915 beds to adequately address homelessness, but only 7,440 beds are currently open, with an additional 3,776 units in various stages of development. This results in a total of 11,216 beds either open or in process, leaving a gap of 1,699 units. However, due to concerns about 394 units that may not meet the June 2027 compliance deadline, the effective gap is adjusted to 2,093 units.

To address this gap, the committee proposed a multi-faceted plan. This includes the identification of 130 non-congregate beds, 17 permanent supportive housing units at Jordan Downs, and 53 interim housing beds at the Union Rescue Mission, among others. The plan also recommends the introduction of 2,000 time-limited subsidies (TLS) to help close the gap, which is viewed as a cost-effective solution. The committee highlighted that 67% of exits from TLS programs since July 2024 have transitioned into permanent housing solutions.

Financially, the total cost of the proposed plan over three fiscal years is estimated at $112 million. The current fiscal year shows a gap of $8 million, with projected gaps of $166 million in fiscal 2027 and $220 million in fiscal 2028 if current spending levels are maintained. The committee emphasized the need to secure additional funding sources to bridge these gaps, including advocating for the maximum allocation from the state’s Housing Assistance Program (HAP) and utilizing funds from Measure A, which is designated for renter protection and homelessness prevention.

The committee's discussions underscored the urgency of addressing the funding shortfall while ensuring that existing resources are used efficiently. Members expressed concerns about the need for a comprehensive analysis of current housing interventions to maximize the impact of available funds. The meeting concluded with a commitment to explore these funding strategies further and to ensure that the city continues to meet its obligations to provide adequate housing for its homeless population.

Overall, the committee's efforts reflect a proactive approach to tackling homelessness in Los Angeles, emphasizing both immediate action and long-term planning to close the housing gap.