Homelessness Swallows Los Angeles

Crisis strains emergency services, public safety, and city's future

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Homelessness, especially among the mentally ill, has become a major problem in Los Angeles, with about one-third of all emergency calls to the police and fire departments related to homeless individuals. Despite spending billions on temporary housing, the homeless population remains high due to factors like drug use, mental illness, and lax enforcement of anti-camping laws. This crisis is straining the city's emergency services and public safety, and threatens to drag LA down if not addressed with a new, tougher approach.

Why it matters

Homelessness has become a crisis in Los Angeles, consuming an outsized share of the city's resources and services while degrading the quality of life and public safety for residents. The issue requires urgent intervention to prevent further decline of the city.

The details

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Jim McDonnell stated that about one-third of all emergency calls to the force are for 'people with mental health issues.' Similarly, interim LA Fire Department (LAFD) Chief Ronnie Villanueva revealed that nearly one-third of all calls to firefighters were related to homeless individuals, with trash fires being the top reason. Despite spending billions on temporary housing, the homeless population in LA remains high due to factors like drug use, mental illness, warm weather, and lax enforcement of anti-camping ordinances.

  • Last year, interim LA Fire Department (LAFD) Chief Ronnie Villanueva revealed the statistic about homeless-related calls.
  • Last year, LA County voters replaced a radical, George Soros-backed district attorney with Nathan Hochman, who is cracking down on crime.

The players

Jim McDonnell

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief.

Ronnie Villanueva

Interim LA Fire Department (LAFD) Chief.

Nathan Hochman

The new LA County District Attorney who is fighting crime after replacing a Soros-backed predecessor.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.