Alarming Latino Homelessness Rates in LA County
The recent cessation of new applications for Section 8 housing assistance by the Los Angeles Housing Authority raises significant concerns, particularly within the Hispanic community, which is disproportionately affected by housing instability.
Section 8, established under the Housing Act of 1937, provides rental assistance to low-income households by subsidizing a portion of their rent payments to private landlords. Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the program aims to ensure that participants do not spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs. The Housing Choice Voucher Program is the most prominent component, assisting approximately 2.1 million households nationwide.
While specific data on Latino participation in Section 8 within Los Angeles is limited, national trends indicate that Hispanic households are significantly represented among beneficiaries. Given that Los Angeles County has a substantial Latino population, it’s reasonable to infer that many Latino families rely on Section 8 assistance to afford housing.
The Los Angeles Housing Authority’s decision to halt new Section 8 applications stems from substantial federal funding cuts, ranging between $47 million to $114 million. This suspension exacerbates housing challenges in a city already grappling with high rent costs and a significant homeless population, estimated at over 45,000 individuals. The Latino community, which often faces economic disparities, is particularly vulnerable to these changes, potentially leading to increased housing instability and homelessness.
In Los Angeles County, Latinos make up 48 percent of the county’s population, and 35 percent of the homeless population. According to data from LAHSA’s annual homeless counts, Latinos experienced an over 70% increase in homelessness between 2018 and 2023. A recent report by the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute reveals a 26% increase in homelessness among Latinos in Los Angeles County between 2020 and 2022.
Factors such as rising housing costs, wage stagnation, and limited access to affordable housing contribute to this trend.
Several non-profit organizations in Los Angeles are dedicated to assisting the Latino community in securing affordable housing:
- East LA Community Corporation (ELACC): Focuses on developing affordable housing and community organizing in East Los Angeles.
- Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD): Provides housing and workforce development services, emphasizing support for low-income communities.
- Esperanza Community Housing Corporation: Develops and preserves affordable housing while promoting health and economic development.
- Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC): Offers affordable housing and social services, including assistance tailored to the Latino community.
- Pueblo Nuevo Development: Works to create affordable housing solutions and community development initiatives in underserved areas.
The suspension of new Section 8 applications in Los Angeles presents significant challenges, especially for the Latino community, which is already at a heightened risk of housing instability. Addressing these issues requires collaborative efforts between government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community stakeholders to ensure that vulnerable populations receive the support they need to secure stable and affordable housing.
Landords refuse to give contracts to Section 8 beneficiaries
