Los Angeles Homeless Services Gains New Leadership

New Leadership at LAHSA Amid Financial and Operational Challenges

Gita O’Neill, an assistant Los Angeles City attorney specializing in homelessness policy, has been appointed as the new interim chief executive of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). This decision was made after the LAHSA Commission voted 7-1 to confirm her nomination. O’Neill is expected to sign a 12-month contract to lead the agency during a critical period when it faces a significant funding loss of $300 million and potential staff reductions.

O’Neill’s appointment comes as the current CEO, Va Lecia Adams Kellum, prepares to step down after serving for two and a half years. Her resignation followed the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors’ decision in March to establish a new homelessness department. O’Neill will receive a monthly base salary of $30,833.33, which equates to approximately $370,000 annually—lower than Adams Kellum’s previous salary of $430,000.

The LAHSA Commission, composed of 10 members, is responsible for overseeing budgetary, funding, planning, and program policies. While most commissioners supported O’Neill’s appointment, one member, Tanisha Saunders, voted against it, and two others were absent during the vote.

Community Concerns About Leadership and Funding

Several community members have expressed concerns about the direction of LAHSA under O’Neill’s leadership. Adam Smith, an organizer with the Los Angeles Community Action Network in Skid Row, criticized the appointment, stating that it moves the agency away from its core mission of addressing homelessness effectively. He emphasized that housing is the primary solution to homelessness, citing studies that support this view.

Calvin Moss, a Los Angeles resident, called the executive salary “obscene,” while Catherine King suggested that the agency does not need a prosecutor to lead it. These criticisms reflect broader concerns about the agency’s approach and financial management.

Adams Kellum, who is stepping down, reflected on her tenure, highlighting her commitment to transforming the approach to homelessness. She noted that under her leadership, there was a second consecutive year of reduced unsheltered homelessness. The annual point-in-time count showed a 4% decrease in homeless individuals across the county and a 3.4% drop in the city of Los Angeles.

Transition to a New Homelessness Department

The new county homelessness department is set to be established by January 1, with Measure A funding being transferred from LAHSA to the county entity by July 1, 2026. This shift marks a significant change in how homelessness services are managed in the region.

However, LAHSA has faced criticism over its transparency and spending practices. Recent audits revealed issues with tracking funds provided to nonprofit service providers and managing vendor performance. In response, the agency has taken steps to improve data tracking and has released tools on its website to enhance accountability.

Controversies and Legal Review

The agency also faced allegations of ethics violations involving Adams Kellum. Specifically, she was accused of approving a $2.1 million contract with her husband's employer. However, an independent review by Norton Rose Fullbright concluded that the company was already a subcontractor before she became CEO. Adams Kellum’s husband, Edward Kellum, serves as the director of operations and compliance at Upward Bound House.

Mayor Karen Bass defended Adams Kellum, acknowledging the challenges she faced in a complex political environment. She praised her contributions and expressed hope that she would continue working in the homelessness sector.

Despite these controversies, LAHSA officials have maintained their commitment to improving operations and addressing the ongoing crisis. As the agency transitions to new leadership, the focus remains on finding sustainable solutions to homelessness and ensuring that resources are used effectively.