When we see unhoused people sleeping on the street, or pass by a tent encampment, a common reaction is to wonder why they are there. More specifically, why, in a state that spent $2.5 billion on housing projects last year, do so many people still have nowhere to sleep?
This is not only a valid but an important question. Indeed, Los Angeles has the highest number of homeless people who don’t sleep in shelters of any major U.S. city. This is despite major attempts to improve housing and shelter coverage in California, including $920 million in additional funding to the homelessness response approved last February, a new accountability system for jurisdictions implementing the response, and various emergency short-term housing projects, which were extended just recently by Governor Gavin Newsom.
The response had a moment of optimism a year ago, when the number of unsheltered unhoused people in the greater LA area declined for the first time since 2017. This trend is continuing in 2025, which has so far seen a decrease of 3,600 unhoused individuals and dwellings outside of shelters. This suggests that something is going right in the response. However, in 2024 (the most recent complete estimate), there remained a stunning 52,365 unhoused people outside of shelters in Los Angeles Country—69.5% of the total unhoused population. Why?
Beyond the myriad systemic issues, the more elusive reason is that many unhoused people make a deliberate choice to stay out of the shelter system. This is supported by a body of research, which identifies three core causes of this choice: safety concerns, substance use, and accessibility issues. Let’s unpack this.
1. They Don’t Feel Safe.
For many, shelters can feel just as risky as the streets. Fears about overcrowding, lack of privacy, theft, fights, or even past trauma in institutional settings can make shelters seem uninviting or outright dangerous. People experiencing homelessness are often survivors of violence, and choosing where to sleep isn’t just about comfort—it’s about survival.
2. There Are Barriers Around Substance Use.
Shelters often enforce “zero tolerance” drug policies or require sobriety for entry. For someone actively struggling with addiction—or even trying to stay in recovery—this can feel like a setup for failure. Some fear being turned away. Others worry about being around triggers. Without tailored support or harm-reduction options, many simply don’t go.
3. Shelters Aren’t Accessible to Everyone.
Shelters aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some don’t allow pets. Others can’t accommodate physical disabilities, mental health needs, or family units. That means people with wheelchairs, service animals, kids, or chronic conditions may be forced to sleep outside simply because they can’t locate a shelter that can safely take them in.
Better Angels’ Approach
Better Angels, through its Shelter LA initiative, is working to transform how communities engage with and understand shelter systems. We believe that shelters should be places of healing, dignity, and possibility—not barriers to stability. For individuals experiencing homelessness who avoid shelters due to safety concerns, restrictive substance use policies, or a lack of transparency around what to expect, Shelter LA was created to bridge these gaps with intention, compassion, and collaboration.
Transparency and Education: Redefining Access
Shelter LA equips case managers, outreach workers, and the community with clear, real-time information about available shelter options. We provide details on entry guidelines, operating policies, accommodations (e.g. family-friendly, pet-friendly, ADA compliant), and visual documentation of the site—including photos—to demystify the shelter experience and help individuals feel confident in their decision.
Humanizing Shelters Through Community Engagement
By engaging the public through storytelling, volunteerism, and education, we aim to change the narrative around shelters. We work to cultivate empathy and awareness so communities can become allies in the fight to end homelessness, not bystanders.
Beautification as a Tool for Healing
The look and feel of a shelter matters. A welcoming, well-maintained space can be transformative for someone in crisis. Through our beautification efforts, we plan to mobilize volunteers and resources to enhance shelter environments—improving curb appeal, interior spaces, and communal areas to reflect dignity, care, and community pride.
What Can You Do As An Angeleno?
1. Volunteer Your Time
Join our on-the-ground efforts to:
- Conduct shelter site visits.
- Participate in beautification projects.
- Assist with data collection and resource mapping.
- Support outreach events and community education.
Whether you're available once or want to get more involved long-term, we’ll plug you in where it matters most.
2. Share Shelter Information
If you’re a service provider, outreach worker, or part of a community group:
- Help us keep shelter data accurate by sharing updates.
- Educate your networks using Shelter LA’s tools and materials.
- Encourage shelter guests to engage with our intake education resources.
Knowledge is power—and transparency saves time and lives.
3. Partner With Us
Are you part of a business, nonprofit, or agency? Let’s collaborate on:
- Donations of supplies, food, hygiene kits, or backpacks.
- Advocating for policy change together.
4. Sponsor Our Work
We welcome financial sponsorships and in-kind donations to support:
- Shelter beautification and repairs.
- Volunteer coordination and training.
- Technology and infrastructure for Shelter LA.
- Case manager recognition and wellness initiatives.
Every dollar is an investment in safety, dignity, and recovery.
At Better Angels, we believe everyone deserves access to shelter—not just in theory, but in practice. That means building a system rooted in dignity, flexibility, and care.
Because the truth is, when people feel safe, seen, and supported — they will come inside.
