Pico Rivera Experiences Dramatic Decline in Homeless Population after Intensive Community Engagement Initiatives
In a remarkable feat, the city of Pico Rivera has witnessed a 60% reduction in its homeless population in 2025, dropping from 95 individuals in 2024 to just 37 this year. This significant decrease, one of the largest reductions in Los Angeles County, is a testament to the power of regional partnerships and targeted strategies that prioritize proactive, compassionate, and coordinated approaches.
City Manager Steve Carmona expressed his satisfaction, stating, "These results reflect what's possible when a community comes together with purpose and compassion." Mayor John Garcia, who has been a driving force behind the city's efforts, added, "Pico Rivera is a city that cares deeply about all its residents."
Key factors contributing to this impact include collaborative regional efforts, targeted programs and encampment resolution, community-centric leadership, and demographic sensitivity. Pico Rivera's reduction aligns with broader LA County trends, where joint actions taken by local cities, the county, and nonprofit service providers have resulted in sustained homelessness declines.
Programs like LA County’s Pathway Home, which focuses on moving individuals directly from encampments into shelter and care, and the city’s Inside Safe program have been credited with effective encampment clearance and housing placement, yielding real-time results. Pico Rivera’s approach heavily reflects this people-centered methodology.
Mayor Garcia emphasized the city’s compassionate, residents-first strategy, involving outreach and comprehensive support tailored to those experiencing homelessness. Given that about 90% of Pico Rivera's population is Latino, culturally informed services likely play a role in improving outreach and program efficacy.
The city council and city manager spearheaded the strategic planning process in Pico Rivera. Results from a survey conducted in June 2019 as part of the city's strategic planning process showed that Pico Rivera residents are generally happy with the city's services and operations.
Pico Rivera plans to use the new data to inform service prioritization, resource deployment, and continued collaboration with county and regional partners. City officials credit the results to ongoing partnerships with the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, and local service providers.
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority has reported a slower growth of the homeless population in Los Angeles County from 2020 to 2022. This is a positive sign that the strategies being implemented are effective not just in Pico Rivera, but across the county.
However, it should be noted that over 72,000 people remain unhoused across LA County, so continued efforts and scaling of successful models remain essential. Pico Rivera will receive $17 million in state earmarks in the upcoming budget cycle, as a result of the efforts of local representatives and city staff.
Mayor John Garcia stated that the work to reduce homelessness isn't finished. He reiterated that the city will continue to prioritize outreach, safety, and dignity in its efforts to address homelessness. On July 18, 2025, the City of Pico Rivera announced a 61% decrease in its homeless population, a testament to the city's unwavering commitment to its residents.
The City Council of Pico Rivera has planned a series of community events to discuss the recent progress in reducing homelessness and celebrate the achievements of the city. This is an opportunity for residents to voice their opinions on health-and-wellness initiatives and science programs that can be implemented to further support the community.
In addition to the reduction in homelessness, the city council is also focusing on providing updated community news about local events and services, fostering a sense of community engagement and unity. The council believes that by working together, they can continue to create a safer and more prosperous city for all its residents.
