More ABCs of LA Homelessness

What do all those letters stand for?

Peruse just about any resource on homelessness in Los Angeles, and you’ll probably ask that question, as you encounter a steady stream of acronyms representing key agencies, organizations, and terms. Here are a few of the more common ones you’ll see.

• AHC – Affordable Housing Commission
• AWSP – Augmented Winter Shelter Program
• CES – Coordinated Entry System
• DPSS – Department of Public Social Services
• HACLA – Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles
• HCIDLA – Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department
• HFSS – Homeless Family Solution System
• HHIP – Housing & Homelessness Incentive Program
• HIP – Homeless Incentive Program
• HMIS – Homeless Management Information System 
• HOME – Homeless Outreach & Mobile Engagement Program
• HOPICS – Homeless Outreach Program Integrated Care System
• HPP – Homelessness Prevention Program
• HSP – Homeless Service Provider, Housing Support Program
• LACAHSA – Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency
• LACDA – Los Angeles County Development Authority
• LACDMH – Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health 
• LA CoC – Los Angeles Continuum of Care
• LACPC – Los Angeles Central Providers Collaborative
• LAFLA – Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
• LAHSA – Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority
• LAHD – Los Angeles Housing Department
• LA-HOP – LA Homeless Outreach Portal
• PATH – People Assisting The Homeless
• PEH – People Experiencing Homelessness
• PIT – Point-in-Time Count
• RHNA – Regional Housing Needs Allocation
• SCAG – Southern California Association of Governments
• SPA – Service Planning Area
• SCANPH – Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing
• TAY – Transitional Age Youth 
• WSP – Winter Shelter Program

If you come across an acronym you don’t see here, visit the county’s glossary of terms and acronyms. And please let us know so we can grow our list.