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Volunteers needed: There was a shortage of volunteers this year after the count was delayed from January to February because of the wildfires. More than 5,000 volunteers participated this year, according to LAHSA, down from about 6,000 last year. “We need thousands of volunteers to help make the 2026 Homeless Count a success,” LAHSA Chief Executive Gita O’Neil said in a statement.

Accuracy concerns: Homeless count estimates determine where some federal and L.A. County dollars flow, but new research from the RAND Corporation suggests the region has been undercounting the population in key neighborhoods. RAND said LAHSA should use more professional survey teams to cross-check its volunteer work.

Coming changes: Following years of technical issues with its mobile app, LAHSA s

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