LOS ANGELES – The agency that coordinates homelessness services across the county has hired a new interim leader as it faces a funding crisis and organizational changes.
Gita O’Neill, who created the city’s emergency shelter system and has spent decades working on homelessness policy, will take over the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) on Aug. 26. Her appointment comes as the county pulls its funding from LAHSA and launches a competing homelessness department.
O’Neill spent more than 20 years at the city attorney’s office, where she developed the “A Bridge Home” shelter program that created the city’s first citywide emergency shelter system. She also managed homeless response operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The agency coordinates services and distributes funding to dozens of nonprofit providers serving people experiencing homelessness across the county.
“The challenge of homelessness in our community is immense, and the system is undergoing significant changes,” O’Neill said. “Increasing trust in LAHSA hinges on our ongoing commitment to transparency, particularly in LAHSA’s core function of contracting.”
“Gita O’Neill’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the challenges facing our homeless services system make her an ideal leader for LAHSA during this crucial time,” LAHSA Commission Chair Wendy Greuel said.
Mayor Karen Bass praised O’Neill’s appointment while noting the challenges facing the regional system.
“Ms. Gita O’Neill brings deep expertise and leadership during a difficult transitional period for LAHSA as the county pulls its funding from the agency and the federal government continues to act with uncertainty,” Bass said. “Even amid these headwinds, we’ve achieved a 17.5% reduction in street homelessness through unprecedented collaboration.”
County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who chairs the board of supervisors, said coordination between LAHSA and the county’s new homelessness department will be essential.
“This appointment comes at a pivotal moment as L.A. County launches its new homelessness department, and I am confident that close coordination between our agencies will drive meaningful progress,” Barger said.
The leadership transition occurs amid ongoing scrutiny of LAHSA contracting practices and oversight of service providers. O’Neill emphasized transparency in contracting as a priority for rebuilding trust in the agency.
O’Neill will oversee daily operations while working with government partners, service providers and community organizations. Her tenure begins as the 2025 point-in-time count approaches, which will provide updated data on homelessness levels across the region.
The interim appointment allows LAHSA commission time to conduct a permanent C.E.O. search while maintaining operations during a period of significant organizational change.
