Results of homeless count indicates drop in Downey

DOWNEY - Results of the 2022 homeless count were released on Thursday, indicating slightly lower numbers in Downey.

The count, coordinated by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, was conducted over three nights in February.

In Downey, 218 homeless individuals were counted, down from 258 in 2020.

In total, Los Angeles County tallied 69,144 homeless persons, showing a 4% increase from the last count in 2020. The slight increase this year comes in contrast to the previous 2020 count, which reflected a larger 15% increase from 2019.

In LA County’s Fourth District (in which the city of Downey resides), saw a 5% increase, tallying 4,925 persons experiencing homelessness.

A majority of the Fourth District’s homeless were adults age 25 and older (82%). Those of Hispanic / Latino descent made up just over half of the demographic, at 52%. Men (65%) also made up a majority of District Four’s homeless. A total of 67 were listed as veterans.

LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn responded to the results on Twitter, saying:

“The 2022 Homeless Count may contain signs of progress, but we aren't going to pat ourselves on the back when close to 70,000 people are homeless in LA County.”