LOS ANGELES — The number of homeless people counted across Los Angeles County jumped nearly 13% over the past year to more than 66,000.
Authorities fear that figure will spike again once the impact of the coronavirus pandemic is felt.
The majority of those experiencing homelessness were found within the city of Los Angeles.
Hundreds live downtown in encampments that line blocks in the Skid Row neighborhood.
January’s annual count came before the COVID-19 outbreak paralyzed the economy and pushed scores into unemployment.
The county instituted a moratorium on evictions amid the pandemic.
When it expires, many more could find themselves without homes.
