Culver City's unhoused resident population down 30% in 2026

Culver City continues to see progress in reducing the number of unhoused people living on the streets. Last week, the City of Culver City released its internal raw data from the 2026 Point-in-Time Homeless Count, conducted in January in coordination with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA).

Culver City’s raw count total decreased from 105 in 2025 to 74 in 2026, representing a 30% reduction. The raw total combines individuals counted outdoors with sighted vehicles, tents, and makeshift shelters; it does not represent a total number of people.

The count identified 38 individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, down from 51 in 2025, marking a 25% reduction. Culver City’s raw count total has also declined by 69% from the 2021 total of 240.

The count also recorded an overall decline in improvised dwellings. A total of 36 cars, vans, RVs, tents, and makeshift shelters were counted in 2026, compared with 54 in 2025, a 33% decrease. Vehicle dwellings declined across every category: cars decreased from 24 to 22, while vans and RVs each fell from 12 to four.

Culver City continues to explore a safe parking program as one strategy to provide greater stability, services, and support for people living in vehicles.

“These results reinforce that meaningful, lasting progress requires a comprehensive and compassionate approach,” Mayor Freddy Puza said. “Through initiatives such as Wellness Village, Project Homekey, and the Mobile Crisis Team’s outreach efforts, Culver City is helping connect people in need with interim shelter, supportive services and pathways to permanent housing. While there is more work ahead, these programs are making a difference and helping more people move toward safety, stability and hope.”

At the time of the count, Culver City’s housing programs were providing shelter to 164 people. The figures presented are based on Culver City’s internal raw homeless count data rather than LAHSA’s published figures. As a result, the numbers may differ slightly from those reported by LAHSA.

“This count demonstrates that sustained investment can change lives, but our work is not finished,” City Manager Odis Jones said. “We must continue helping people move from homelessness toward long-term stability while ensuring public resources are used efficiently and responsibly.

“By balancing immediate needs with sustainable, long-term solutions, we can maximize our impact, strengthen our community, and responsibly serve all Culver City residents."

Several councilmembers took to social media to celebrate the city's progress in tackling the homelessness crisis in Culver City, noting the gravity of the reduction given that numbers in Los Angeles increased year-over-year.

"It's always challenging to succeed in this effort - especially when we're surrounded by L.A.," councilmember Dan O'Brien said on Facebook, "who is less effective than we are and is the source of most unhoused people we provide service to."

"[This is] what happens when a city puts its own dollars to work," Vice Mayor Bubba Fish said on Instagram, "instead of waiting for someone else to solve the crisis."

2026 Homeless Count Highlights

• Total: Decreased from 105 to 74, a 30% reduction.
• Individuals counted outdoors: Decreased from 51 to 38, a 25% reduction.
• Unaccompanied minors: None counted in 2025 or 2026.
• Families: None counted in 2025 or 2026.
• Vehicles, tents and makeshift shelters: Decreased from 54 to 36, a 33% reduction.
• Sheltered persons: Increased slightly from 163 to 164.

Visit the Culver City Homeless Services webpage to learn more about the programs and services available.

If you see an unhoused person during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) and think they may benefit from outreach services, please complete a Homeless Outreach Request through Culver City's Homeless Outreach Portal.

The Mobile Crisis Team (MCT) provides non-emergency mental health care and support to members of the Culver City community by responding to mental health crises and providing necessary support, referrals, and transport. You can reach the MCT to request a field response or for a consultation by calling their direct line, (310) 253-5770.Watch the video on the 2026 Homeless Count on the City's YouTube page.