Urgent: Los Angeles’ Homeless Crisis Worsened by Failing Tech Systems

In Los Angeles, the homeless crisis has reached alarming proportions, with approximately 45,000 individuals living in encampments scattered across the city. Many of these people suffer from serious mental illnesses and substance addictions. Despite billions of dollars being spent on efforts to address this issue, outdated computer systems with error-filled data are often unable to provide basic information, such as the availability of shelter beds on any given night. This inefficiency leads to dire consequences, particularly in a state known for its technological prowess.

The Technological Shortcomings

Los Angeles, home to one in five unhoused people in the United States, lacks a comprehensive system to list available shelter beds. Mark Goldin, Chief Technology Officer for Better Angels United, a nonprofit group, described the city’s technology as systems that “don’t talk” and lack accurate data. These systems fail to answer critical questions such as how many people are homeless at any given time and where they are located. The ramifications for people on the streets could mean the difference between sleeping outside or finding shelter, which can be life-threatening.

Adam Miller, a tech entrepreneur and CEO of Better Angels, highlighted the inefficiencies evident at a filthy encampment in the city’s Silver Lake neighborhood. Sara Reyes, Executive Director of SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition, led volunteers distributing water, socks, and food to homeless people, including one who appeared unconscious. Reyes noted that anytime data is moved from one medium to another, there is a risk of data loss, which means the victims are the people the system is supposed to serve.

Efforts to Modernize Data Collection

The main federal data system, the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), was designed as a desktop application and is difficult to operate on a mobile phone. Case managers, by necessity, take notes on phones or paper and don’t typically input the data until they are back at their desks, which could be hours, days, or even a week later. This delay results in outdated information that can be critical for providing timely assistance.

Every organization that coordinates services for homeless people uses the HMIS program to comply with data collection and reporting standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. However, these systems are not all compatible. For instance, Sam Matonik, Associate Director of Data at Los Angeles-based People Assisting the Homeless, mentioned that his organization must re-enter data because Los Angeles County uses a proprietary data system that does not communicate with the HMIS system. This manual double-entering opens the door for errors, which can mean the difference between having shelter and not.

Bevin Kuhn, Acting Deputy Chief of Analytics for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, stated that work is underway to create a database of 23,000 beds by the end of the year through technology upgrades. However, seeing general bed availability remains challenging for case managers.

Innovative Solutions on the Horizon

To fill this void, Better Angels has assembled a team experienced in building large-scale software applications. They are constructing a mobile-friendly prototype for outreach workers, which will be donated to groups in Los Angeles County. This will be followed by systems for shelter operators to create a comprehensive shelter bed database. The goal is to make the system easy to use, even for workers with scant digital literacy. Information entered into the app will be immediately uploaded to the database, eliminating the need for redundant re-entries while keeping information up to date.

Time is critical. Once a shelter bed is located, there is a 48-hour window for the spot to be claimed. However, technology inadequacies mean that coalitions sometimes don’t learn about an open spot until it has expired. Reyes expressed hope that the Better Angels app, which is currently in testing, will cut down on the number of people who miss the housing window and create more reliability for people to obtain services.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles is a city of contrasts, where technological advancements coexist with significant social challenges. For occasional travelers, it is essential to be aware of the city’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness. Consider volunteering with local organizations like SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition to make a positive impact during your visit.

For expert travelers, delve deeper into the city’s technological landscape. Explore how local tech companies and nonprofits are collaborating to solve complex social issues. Understanding these dynamics can provide a richer, more nuanced perspective of Los Angeles.

In conclusion, while the homeless crisis in Los Angeles is a daunting challenge, innovative technological solutions offer a glimmer of hope. By streamlining data collection and improving real-time access to services, there is potential to make a significant difference in the lives of thousands of unhoused individuals. As travelers, we can contribute to these efforts by staying informed and getting involved.