Supervisor Barger Responds to New Homeless Count, Highlights 37% Drop in Antelope Valley

LOS ANGELES COUNTY — Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued a statement following the release of the latest Point-in-Time Homeless Count, highlighting a significant 37% reduction in unsheltered homelessness across the Antelope Valley while acknowledging that more work remains.

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Barger said the annual count provides valuable data but does not fully capture the challenges communities continue to face. She noted that while the decline in unsheltered homelessness is encouraging and demonstrates that targeted strategies can produce results, many residents still judge progress by what they see on local streets.

The supervisor emphasized that addressing homelessness requires more than expanding housing. She renewed her call for greater access to mental health and substance use treatment, arguing that outdated federal restrictions continue to limit Los Angeles County’s ability to provide timely care for individuals with severe behavioral health needs. Barger also pointed to support for expanding mental health treatment capacity through federal IMD waivers as part of a broader solution.

“We owe taxpayers accountability. We owe our communities safer and healthier neighborhoods. And, most importantly, we owe people experiencing homelessness every opportunity to recover and rebuild their lives,” Barger said.

Barger reaffirmed her commitment to pursuing a comprehensive approach that combines housing, treatment, accountability, and recovery services to address homelessness throughout Los Angeles County.