The Impact of Homelessness on the Economy in Los Angeles, CA (2024)

Dr. Hwikook Choe, Ph.D. in Economics

© International Foundation for World Freedom

Homelessness in Southern California, particularly in major urban centers like Los Angeles, is a severe and growing crisis. The region has seen significant increases in the number of people experiencing homelessness over the past few years, driven by a combination of high housing costs, economic inequality, and insufficient mental health and social services. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) reported a 4.1% increase in the homeless population in 2023, bringing the total to approximately 75,518 people. This figure represents a substantial challenge for local governments and communities, struggling to provide adequate shelter, healthcare, and support services.

The homeless population in Southern California is diverse, including families, veterans, and individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. Despite efforts to address the crisis through initiatives like permanent supportive housing and temporary shelters, the demand far exceeds the available resources. Encampments are common in urban areas, underscoring the visibility and urgency of the problem. Many individuals live in makeshift shelters in parks, along freeways, and in other public spaces, highlighting the lack of affordable housing options.

Efforts to combat homelessness in Southern California have included both public and private sector initiatives. Programs such as ‘Project Roomkey’ and ‘Measure H’ have aimed to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions. However, the scale of homelessness in the region suggests that more comprehensive and sustained efforts are needed. Addressing the root causes, such as affordable housing shortages and inadequate mental health services, alongside coordinated policy responses, is essential to making significant progress in reducing homelessness in Southern California.

There is a substantial body of academic literature that elucidates how economic conditions impact homelessness. Factors such as the housing market, unemployment, and poverty rates significantly affect the number of homeless individuals. Changes in government policies or budgets can also directly influence the severity of homelessness. However, there is relatively little research focused on the opposite direction: how the severity of homelessness impacts the local economy.

The following factors suggest the potential scenarios in which the problem of homelessness can impact society and the local economy. Additionally, a potential solution to alleviate the problem of homelessness is suggested.

Increased Public Expenditure

One of the most direct economic impacts of homelessness is the increased public expenditure. Governments at various levels incur substantial costs in providing services to homeless individuals. These services include emergency shelter, healthcare, law enforcement, and social services. For instance, emergency shelters are more expensive per capita than long-term housing solutions. Moreover, homeless individuals frequently use emergency medical services, which are costly and often funded by public health systems. The repeated interactions with the criminal justice system also lead to higher costs for law enforcement and legal proceedings. Studies have shown that investing in permanent supportive housing can reduce these expenses significantly by providing a stable living environment, reducing emergency service usage, and improving overall health outcomes.

Loss of Economic Productivity

Homelessness also leads to a loss of economic productivity. Individuals experiencing homelessness often face barriers to employment, including lack of a permanent address, inadequate access to transportation, and limited availability of clean clothing and hygiene facilities. These barriers prevent many from obtaining and retaining jobs, reducing their ability to contribute to the economy. Additionally, the stress and instability associated with homelessness can negatively impact mental health, further diminishing an individual's capacity to work. This loss of productivity not only affects the individuals directly but also results in a broader economic impact by reducing the overall labor force and economic output.

Healthcare Costs

Healthcare costs associated with homelessness are substantial. Homeless individuals often suffer from chronic health conditions, mental health issues, and substance abuse disorders, all of which require medical attention. Without stable housing, managing these health issues becomes challenging, leading to frequent hospital visits and prolonged stays. The lack of preventive care and regular medical follow-ups exacerbates health problems, increasing the overall cost burden on the healthcare system. By addressing homelessness through supportive housing and integrated healthcare services, these costs can be significantly reduced, as stable housing has been shown to improve health outcomes and decrease reliance on emergency medical services.

Impact on Social Stability

Homelessness affects social stability, which indirectly impacts the economy. High levels of homelessness can lead to increased crime rates, both from crimes committed by homeless individuals out of necessity and crimes committed against them. This necessitates greater expenditure on law enforcement and public safety measures. Furthermore, homelessness can have adverse effects on community cohesion and property values. Areas with visible homelessness often experience decreased property values, which can lead to reduced tax revenues for local governments. This, in turn, limits the resources available for public services and infrastructure, creating a negative feedback loop that can hinder economic growth and development.

Educational Outcomes

Children experiencing homelessness face significant challenges in education, which can have long-term economic consequences. Frequent moves, lack of a stable environment for study, and the emotional stress of homelessness can lead to lower academic achievement and higher dropout rates. This not only limits the future earning potential of these individuals but also reduces the skilled labor force needed for economic growth. Investing in stable housing and supportive services for homeless families can help improve educational outcomes, leading to a more educated and productive workforce in the future.

Potential Solutions

Addressing homelessness requires a multifaceted approach that combines housing solutions with supportive services. Policies such as ‘Housing First’, which prioritizes providing permanent housing to homeless individuals without preconditions, have been shown to be effective in reducing homelessness and its associated costs. Additionally, increasing the availability of affordable housing, expanding access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, and providing employment support can help mitigate the economic impacts of homelessness. By investing in these solutions, governments can reduce public expenditures, increase economic productivity, and improve social stability.

In conclusion, homelessness could have far-reaching economic impacts that extend beyond the individuals directly affected. By addressing the root causes and providing comprehensive support, society can mitigate these impacts and create a more stable and prosperous economy.