LAHSA layoffs: More than 400 positions will be cut at LA homelessness services agency

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- An embattled Los Angeles agency that coordinates homelessness services is preparing to lay off hundreds of employees, a move county leaders say is part of a broader restructuring effort.

The layoffs are taking place at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, or LAHSA, which oversees outreach and other services aimed at getting people off the streets.

More than 400 positions will be cut, including 130 that are currently vacant.

County officials say the layoffs stem in part from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors' decision to create a new Department of Homeless Services and Housing.

Some LAHSA employees who are being laid off could ultimately be retained under the county, though future job placement remains uncertain for many. One affected worker, Hashim Afanan, said receiving a layoff notice was painful.

"It kind of hurts that I'm being cut because I know that the work I'm doing is important, and if I'm not there to do, it's going to be detrimental to the homeless response system," Afanan said.

County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said 254 county-funded positions have been identified for LAHSA staff, and 69 outreach workers have already been offered jobs.

In a statement, Horvath said, "Los Angeles County has taken a deliberate, phased approach to transitioning funding, contracts, and staff from LAHSA to the County." She added, "Audit after audit has made clear why this action is necessary."

The layoffs are not expected to take effect immediately, with the final day of employment projected to be June 30. County officials say LAHSA will continue to exist during the transition and will still oversee several functions, including the Greater Los Angeles Annual Homeless Count.