A civic engineering report written throughout April 2017
Research:
Homelessness is a major issue in Los Angeles County, as the metro area has the largest homeless population in the United States (Daily News). Over 40,000 people are living on the streets on any given night (LA Times), and overall, over 250,000 people spend some time in the year without shelter (LA Almanac).
One major problem with homelessness is minority races. Over 40% of all homeless people are African-Americans, despite making up only 8% of the county's population (LA Times), while roughly 30% are Hispanics. Another major problem with homelessness is poverty. Over half of the homeless population has not received any of their required public benefits (LA Almanac).
Los Angeles County has created a "Homeless Initiative", which has attempted to solve this nearly-impossible problem. In March 2017, voters in Los Angeles County approved Measure H, which would provide over $350 million worth of anti-homelessness services every year. This initiative would provide a quarter percent of county tax for ten years. The Board of Supervisors also agreed to create an anti-homeless plan in February 2016, involving more than 30 cities across the county. (LA County)
Skid Row is an area in Los Angeles County, well known for its large homeless population. Main Street, Alameda Street, Third Street, and Seventh Street serve as the boundaries of Skid Row. Over 17% of the total population of Skid Row is considered homeless. (Homeless, LA County)
References:
Abram, Susan. "LA County takes on largest homeless count in US – with a lot of help." Los Angeles Daily News, 23 Jan. 2017. Web. 11 Apr. 2017.
"Homeless Initiative." Los Angeles County, n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2017.
"Homelessness in Los Angeles County." Homeless in Los Angeles County, California. Los Angeles Almanac, 28 Oct. 2016. Web. 11 Apr. 2017.
Schleuss, Jon, and Lorena Elebee. "Who are L.A. County's homeless?" Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2016. Web. 20 Apr. 2017.
Personal:
I have had much experience with homeless people, because there is a large tent shelter beneath a bridge near my home. When I attend art school in the summer, I always see homeless people sitting on the sidewalks, holding signs, sitting down, and/or carrying shopping carts full of their belongings. And sometimes I see people in the alleys in Downtown Pasadena, bundled up in blankets and holding coffee cups full of spare change.
Personal interviews:
Daisy B.: Every day, as I walk down the streets, I see people struggling to survive. The people are unemployed, or can't afford to manage their lives, such as trouble paying their rent. Many of these people have health issues such as blindness.
Elizabeth D.: The main problem of homelessness depends on the situation. The person might not afford their rent, they lost their job, or even got addicted to drugs. I think that providing shelter for the homeless would be a good solution, because they are blocking the streets for other people.
Mark T.: No one should have to live out on the streets without adequate resources to live on. I've worked with homeless programs, and it is extremely disheartening to see families without a roof above their head. I can volunteer my time and make donations. To be really effective, we need to involve everyone. This issue requires all of us to make a conscious effort to address the ongoing issues of homelessness in a timely manner.
Community members that I interviewed:
Daisy Bracamontes:
Mark Tsunokai
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