USC survey highlights importance of Measure A

A new L.A. Barometer survey released by USC researchers reveals a near-universal agreement among Los Angeles County residents that homelessness is a serious problem in the region. The survey, conducted across the county, shows participants identify mental illness (85 percent) and addiction (84 percent) as the top factors driving homelessness in Los Angeles, followed closely by the cost of housing (78 percent) and financial hardships (74 percent).
All of these critical issues are exactly what LA County Measure A aims to address.
Written by experts who understand the challenges of addressing homelessness and the proven solutions that work, Measure A focuses on providing comprehensive support for individuals experiencing homelessness by expanding mental health services, addiction treatment, and housing that is affordable. The survey’s findings underscore the urgency of addressing these core issues.
The survey indicated that without the passage of Measure A, more than 57,000 people who have been housed could be forced back onto the streets and homelessness would increase by at least 28 percent, exacerbating the crisis.
“The L.A. Barometer survey clearly shows that residents are concerned over our homeless crisis and that they support solutions. Measure A is the key to addressing this crisis with proven solutions driven by outcomes and accountability,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, chair of the LACAHSA (Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency) board.
With such high levels of concern among Angelenos, the passage of Measure A is seen as pivotal to preventing further escalation of the crisis. The measure is designed to bolster the region’s capacity to provide essential services to vulnerable populations, including expanded mental health care, addiction recovery programs, and making housing more affordable, while preventing more people from falling into homelessness.
“By targeting the key factors highlighted in the survey, Measure A offers a path forward in the fight to reduce homelessness and address the root causes of the crisis,” said Richardson.
For more information on Measure A, visit www.YesOnA.la.