Unhoused Disproportionate Impact on Black LA - Part 1 of 3

ILM Foundation • November 2, 2026

Beyond the Streets: Understanding the Crisis

Homelessness is often described through images: tents lining sidewalks, people sleeping beneath freeway overpasses, belongings gathered beside shopping carts, or makeshift shelters occupying public spaces. These images are visible throughout Los Angeles. But they do not tell the whole story.


Behind every tent is a human being. Behind every statistic is a life shaped by circumstances, decisions, losses, barriers, and, often, an ongoing struggle to regain stability. Homelessness is not simply the absence of a roof. It is a complex humanitarian and community challenge involving housing affordability, income, employment, physical and mental health, family stability, and access to support.


As ILM Foundation prepares for Humanitarian Day on Sunday, February 21, 2027, we believe it is important to look beyond the visible signs of homelessness and understand the conditions that sustain it. Compassion must be informed by knowledge, and service must be guided by a willingness to confront the circumstances that make people vulnerable in the first place.


The numbers tell an important story

The 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count estimated that 73,040 people were experiencing homelessness across Los Angeles County. Of that number, approximately 49,002 were unsheltered—living in places not intended for human habitation, including streets, vehicles, tents, and other outdoor locations.


The count represented a 1.2% increase in overall homelessness across the county compared with the previous year. LAHSA also reported a 3.3% increase in unsheltered homelessness. These changes were not considered statistically significant, but they point to an important reality: thousands of people remain without stable housing, and the movement from homelessness into permanent housing continues to face serious obstacles. A point-in-time count is a snapshot, not a complete accounting of every person who experiences homelessness during a year. It is nevertheless an important measure of the scale of the challenge and a reminder that the crisis cannot be reduced to isolated encampments or individual circumstances.


Skid Row: A neighborhood shaped by policy and history

Few places symbolize the history of homelessness in Los Angeles more visibly than Skid Row, officially part of the Central City East neighborhood in Downtown Los Angeles. Skid Row has long been associated with concentrated poverty, homelessness, shelters, missions, and social services. Its present-day boundaries are commonly described as approximately Third Street to Seventh Street, Alameda Street to Main Street—a roughly 50-block area.


But this concentration did not simply happen by chance. In 1976, Los Angeles adopted a planning approach commonly known as the Blue Book Plan, establishing a 50-block containment zone for homeless residents and services. The policy reflected a decision to concentrate poverty and services in one part of downtown while other areas were being redeveloped. That history matters. It reminds us that public policy, housing decisions, economic development, and the treatment of vulnerable populations have helped shape the neighborhood we see today. Understanding Skid Row requires more than looking at the people living there. It requires examining the decisions that shaped the environment around them.


Over the decades, Skid Row has also been home to residents, business owners, service providers, faith communities, organizers, and advocates who have worked to protect people and improve neighborhood conditions. Their voices and experiences deserve to be part of any serious conversation about its future.


The disproportionate impact on Black communities

Homelessness affects people across racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. Yet the burden is not distributed equally. Los Angeles County's 2025 State of Black Los Angeles County trends analysis reported a 16% increase in homelessness among Black residents, affecting an additional 3,084 people in the period examined. The same analysis identified significant housing pressures affecting Black renters, including high levels of rent burden and eviction.


These findings should prompt us to look beyond individual explanations and consider the conditions that can push families and individuals toward housing instability: low wages, rising rents, limited affordable housing, barriers to homeownership, job insecurity, and the long-term effects of unequal access to economic opportunity.

The figures do not mean that every Black person experiencing homelessness has the same story, nor do they explain every individual's circumstances. They do, however, make clear that racial disparities must be part of the public conversation. A response that ignores those disparities will struggle to address the full problem.

Health, mental health, and the struggle to survive

Homelessness can place enormous pressure on a person's physical and emotional well-being. Living without reliable shelter can make it difficult to sleep safely, maintain personal hygiene, store medication, attend medical appointments, or manage a chronic health condition.


Mental health challenges and substance use can also intersect with homelessness. For some people, these conditions existed before they lost housing. For others, the stress and trauma of living without a stable place to stay can make existing challenges more difficult to manage. There is no single pathway into homelessness, and it is important not to assume that everyone living outdoors has a mental health or substance-use disorder.


The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's 2026 report on mortality among people experiencing homelessness offers a sobering picture. It found that the overall mortality rate declined in 2024 for the first time since the county began tracking it, while also reporting increases in certain causes of death, including suicide. The report underscores the serious health risks faced by people without stable housing and the need for prevention, accessible healthcare, and coordinated support.Housing is a health issue. Healthcare is a housing issue. And human dignity must remain central to both. 



Beyond judgment: Recognizing the whole person

Public discussion about homelessness can quickly become polarized. Some residents are concerned about neighborhood safety, sanitation, public drug use, and access to parks and sidewalks. Others emphasize the need for compassion, housing, healthcare, and protection from displacement.These concerns should not be treated as mutually exclusive. People living in neighborhoods affected by homelessness deserve safe, clean, accessible public spaces. People experiencing homelessness deserve to be treated as human beings, not as problems to be moved from one location to another.


A humane response must recognize the rights and needs of everyone who shares a neighborhood: unhoused residents, housed residents, children, families, local businesses, outreach workers, and community organizations.

We must also resist the temptation to define people by their current circumstances. A person experiencing homelessness may be a parent, a veteran, a former business owner, a student, a worker, a neighbor, or someone who has experienced a series of losses. Their present situation does not erase their history, their abilities, or their potential.

From awareness to responsibility

ILM Foundation's commitment to humanitarian service began long before the next Humanitarian Day campaign. Through our work serving unhoused communities since 1998 and our Humanitarian Day tradition established in 2001, we have seen the importance of meeting immediate needs while also recognizing the deeper work required to restore stability and opportunity.


Meals, blankets, hygiene supplies, backpacks, health screenings, and referrals matter. They can bring relief, protect health, and remind someone that they have not been forgotten. But they are not substitutes for safe housing, accessible healthcare, employment opportunities, and sustained community investment.


The question before us is not whether a single organization can solve homelessness. No organization can. The question is whether we can work together—residents, advocates, service providers, businesses, faith communities, and public institutions—to build a more effective and compassionate response.Understanding the statistics is only the beginning. Behind every number is a person, and behind every neighborhood are people who have a stake in its future.


In Part Two, we turn our attention to the voices of Skid Row residents and grassroots advocates who believe that restoring the neighborhood must begin with restoring community.

Humanitarian Day 2027 — Sunday, February 21, 2027


Sources and further reading


< Older Post
Orange

At ILM Foundation, we believe in nourishing bodies and minds. Together, we can create an interconnected community where everyone thrives!

ILM Chaplaincy Annual Retreat

By ILM Foundation • October 29, 2026
Grounding Chaplaincy in Purposefulness: Strengthening the Role of Muslim Chaplains in America ILM Foundation’s Annual Chaplaincy Training Retreat October 29–31, 2026 | Masjid Al Shareef, Long Beach, California Muslim chaplaincy is more than a professional responsibility. It is a commitment to serve humanity through spiritual care, compassionate guidance, ethical leadership, and the protection of religious dignity. A Calling to Serve Beyond the Mosque Across the United States, Muslim chaplains are making important contributions in places where spiritual care, emotional support, and religious guidance can have a profound impact on people's lives. From correctional institutions and military installations to hospitals and other public-serving institutions, chaplains help individuals navigate some of life's most challenging circumstances. Their work often takes place away from the public spotlight. They serve people experiencing illness, isolation, personal crises, family separation, incarceration, grief, and uncertainty. They help individuals maintain a connection to their faith, find meaning during difficult moments, and make decisions grounded in their spiritual and ethical values. Muslim chaplains also contribute to the broader American institutional landscape by helping ensure that Muslim religious needs are understood and respected. At the federal, state, and county levels, their work can support religious accommodation, interfaith understanding, institutional well-being, and the dignity of people from diverse backgrounds. In these settings, chaplaincy is not simply about providing religious services. It is about meeting people where they are, understanding their circumstances, and offering appropriate spiritual care with wisdom, professionalism, and compassion. Why Purposefulness Matters in Chaplaincy The responsibilities of a chaplain demand more than religious knowledge alone. They require the ability to apply that knowledge appropriately within complex professional environments. This is why ILM Foundation's 2026 Chaplaincy Training Retreat is centered on the theme: “Grounding Chaplaincy in Purposefulness.” Purposefulness invites chaplains to reflect on the deeper meaning of their service. Why do we serve? Whom are we called to serve? How can our presence contribute to healing, accountability, spiritual growth, and human dignity? These questions are especially important for Muslim chaplains working in institutions where religious needs intersect with professional policies, legal obligations, ethical responsibilities, and the diverse experiences of the people they serve. Ongoing training and reflection help chaplains strengthen their ability to navigate these responsibilities with integrity and confidence. The ILM Foundation Annual Muslim Chaplaincy Training Retreat ILM Foundation will host its annual Chaplaincy Training Retreat from October 29–31, 2026, at the historic Masjid Al Shareef, located at 2104 Orange Avenue, Long Beach, California 90806. The retreat brings together chaplains, religious leaders, community volunteers, and others interested in strengthening their understanding of chaplaincy and its contribution to society. By providing a setting for learning, reflection, professional development, and discussion, ILM Foundation seeks to encourage a thoughtful and purposeful approach to Muslim chaplaincy. The retreat's program addresses practical and ethical questions facing chaplains while recognizing the importance of spiritual grounding, professional preparation, and collaboration across religious traditions. Featured Topics The three-day program includes discussions and presentations on: Spirituality in Chaplaincy: Exploring the spiritual foundation and purpose of pastoral service Ethics in the Work Environment: Examining the importance of integrity, professional conduct, and ethical decision-making. New Qualifications for Chaplains: Considering evolving qualifications and professional expectations for chaplaincy positions. Volunteering in Correctional Settings: Understanding the responsibilities and opportunities associated with providing spiritual support in correctional institutions. Accommodation of Jewish Holidays: Learning about religious accommodation and the needs of different faith communities. Contributions of Women in Islam: Exploring women's contributions and their place within Muslim religious and community life. Extremism and Radicalization: Engaging with an important topic relevant to institutional and community responsibilities. ILM's Chaplaincy Onboarding Process: Examining preparation and organizational support for chaplaincy service. The program also includes Quranic recitation, reflection, concluding discussions, and opportunities for questions and answers. An Experienced and Diverse Group of Speakers The retreat features Muslim scholars, chaplains, community leaders, and an interfaith contributor whose experience spans religious service, institutional chaplaincy, education, and community leadership. Featured speakers include: Imam Dr. Mustapha Kulungu Imam Dr. Zubair Yousif I mam Abu Ishaq Hafiz Imam Ayub Haroun Imam Fateen Saifullah Imam Mohammad Zakaria Imam Naim Shah, Jr. Sister Sabah Muhammad-Tahir Sister Renee Mustafa Rabbi Abraham Richter Dr. Nayawiyyah Muhammad Imam Naim-Shareef Shah The Importance of Preparing the Next Generation of Chaplains As the responsibilities of chaplains continue to intersect with increasingly complex institutional and community needs, preparation becomes essential. Aspiring chaplains, experienced practitioners, religious leaders, and volunteers all benefit from opportunities to examine their methods, learn from colleagues, and develop a deeper understanding of the environments in which they serve. Effective preparation includes more than theological knowledge. It involves learning how to communicate across differences, respect confidentiality, recognize professional boundaries, understand institutional requirements, respond appropriately to crises, and work collaboratively with other professionals. For Muslim chaplains, this preparation also includes representing Islam through conduct that reflects compassion, justice, service, and respect for human dignity. The annual retreat offers a space to engage these responsibilities collectively and to encourage a culture of continued learning. ILM Foundation: Faith in Action Through Service The work of chaplaincy reflects a broader principle that guides meaningful community service: faith should inspire action. Through its annual Chaplaincy Training Retreat, ILM Foundation provides a forum for Muslim chaplains and community members to reflect on how religious commitment can translate into responsible, compassionate, and professionally grounded service. Hosting the retreat at Masjid Al Shareef also connects this work to the mosque's role as a place of worship, learning, reflection, and community engagement. By encouraging dialogue, training, and professional development, ILM Foundation seeks to strengthen the people who serve others during moments when spiritual guidance and human connection matter most. The retreat is an opportunity to reaffirm that chaplaincy is not merely a title or position. It is a responsibility that calls for knowledge, character, preparation, and a clear sense of purpose. Grounding the Future of Chaplaincy in Purpose The contributions of Muslim chaplains across America's correctional, military, healthcare, and other institutional settings deserve recognition and continued support. Their work demonstrates how spiritual care can contribute to individual well-being, religious inclusion, ethical reflection, and the preservation of human dignity. As ILM Foundation convenes its 2026 Annual Chaplaincy Training Retreat, the central invitation is to return to the purpose behind the work: serving people with sincerity, strengthening professional competence, and ensuring that spiritual care remains grounded in responsibility and compassion. When chaplaincy is grounded in purpose, service becomes more than a duty. It becomes a meaningful contribution to humanity. 2026 ILM Foundation Chaplaincy Training Retreat Theme: Grounding Chaplaincy in Purposefulness Dates: October 29–31, 2026 Location: Masjid Al Shareef, 2104 Orange Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90806 Retreat Program: Click here to view Format: In person, with online participation via Zoom For information: ilmfoundationoflosangeles@gmail.com Hosted by: ILM Foundation Interested in Muslim chaplaincy, professional development, or volunteering in correctional settings? Contact ILM Foundation to learn more about its chaplaincy initiatives and training o pportunities.

African American Muslims in Los Angeles Legacy of Faith, Leadership, and Service

By ILM Foundation • June 30, 2026
The Story of African-American Muslims in Los Angeles: A Legacy of Faith, Leadership, and Service A New Documentary Film from ILM Foundation History is often written about famous people, major events, and political movements. But some of the most powerful stories are hidden within communities preserved through sacrifice and service. For nearly a century, African-American Muslims have played a remarkable role in shaping the social, spiritual, and humanitarian landscape of Los Angeles. That is why ILM Foundation is proud to present its newest documentary film: "The Legacy of African-American Muslims in Los Angeles" 

Honoring the Achievement of Imam Dr. Rushdan Mustafa Mujahid-Deen

By ILM Foundation • May 10, 2026
Perseverance to Purpose: Honoring Imam Dr. Rushdan Mustafa Mujahid-Deen His quiet unshakable connection to faith, sacrifice, commitment to service, and personal development. A respected voice in chaplaincy and community service, Imam Rushdan has reached a major milestone earning his Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Islamic Leadership from Bayan Islamic Graduate School . This achievement is a story of resilience, discipline, and deep spiritual conviction. A Journey Forged Through Struggle and Fait h Balancing two jobs, enduring personal and external challenges, and pushing through moments of doubt, Imam Rushdan remained steadfast. He describes long nights, relentless effort, and a test of patience that would have caused many to step away. At one critical moment , he faced a major setback, not passing his oral defense. For many, this could have marked the end. But not for him, with humility, he returned to his work. He revisited his thesis, leaned on the support of trusted friends, and anchored himself in faith. When he came back to defend his work again, he excelled. "That man can have nothing but what he strives for; That (the fruit of) his striving will soon come in sight.." Quran Chapter 53:39-40
Show More