Homelessness in Los Angeles
Homelessness is an important issue. Growing up in Los Angeles, I have witnessed the increase in the homeless population. It has become an epidemic. With the changing economy, decline of employment rates, rise in local gentrification-it is no wonder why there has been an increase in homelessness. This social issue is relevant to the members of our community because it is our duty to take care of one another as human beings, it is philanthropy.
Facts as reported by The Los Angeles Times and by LaMayor.org:
- With in the last six years, the rate of homelessness in Los Angeles has increased by 75%.
- 3 out of 4 homeless people in Los Angeles live in tents, cars, or campers; that is 41,000 people.
- Los Angeles hosts, by far, the largest amount of homeless people in the entire United States.
- Buses and trains have become temporary shelter for some.
- Los Angeles rates as one of the lowest cities in the United States in housing their homeless population.
- According to the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development 2016 Housing Inventory County and 2016 Point in Time Count: In Los Angeles, there is 0.3 beds per homeless person.
A recent annual survey by the U.S. Conference of Mayors listed the leading causes of homelessness among families and individuals. The list is as the following:
SINGLE ADULT INDIVIDUALS:
(1) lack of affordable housing
(2) unemployment
(3) poverty
(4) mental illness and the lack of needed services
(5) substance abuse and the lack of needed services
FAMILIES:
(1) lack of affordable housing*
(2) unemployment
(3) poverty
(4) low wages
Recently, a dear friend of mine fell into homelessness. She is an educated woman with an English Literature degree from the University of Boston. Originally from Boston, she came to Los Angeles three years ago, in search of a career as a screen writer. Luck fell short when she was unable to secure a job in the field. She attempted to hold down temporary jobs in retail and doing clerical work. Her health was in a sudden decline. She was diagnosed with early onset dementia which then amplified her depression and anxiety. She suddenly needed healthcare and higher pay. Her part time jobs did not pay well and had limited health insurance policies. Despite her degree and previous work experience, financially she was struggling. Her temporary jobs were insufficient; she was not making enough money to ensure healthcare, let alone housing. She is a single woman, with no family here in Los Angeles-struggling. Her diminishing health caused her to miss work constantly and she was evicted from her home. She then lived in her 2003 Ford Explorer. She and her lovely dog, slept on a mattress in the trunk of her car. For months she lived under a freeway bridge in her parked car. Her gym membership to LA Fitness allowed her to shower and wash her clothes in the gym locker room. For months, she continued this lifestyle while working a single part-time job, networking amongst friends of friends to get a writing deal.
I have lost contact with my dear friend. I no longer see her car parked under the freeway bridge. The last I heard, her dog had passed away. My fear is she is alone, continuing to struggle, attempting to survive her dementia homeless.
For many, homelessness is not a choice. Homelessness is a mishap, a misstep in their life, an unfortunate series of events that led them to it. We all may have different concerns for seeking out a cure to homelessness, but nevertheless, a fix is needed. Just like us, they are people.
“No two people living on Skid Row, or in the Sepulveda Basin, ended up there for the same reasons. But the common thread among all unsheltered Angelenos is the need for a safe place to sleep while we help them find a stable home and a better future.”
- Mayor Eric Garcetti
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| The gentlemen's faces have been blocked out for privacy. |
"Am I affected? Yes. Why am I affected; because I am in constant fear when arriving home or leaving. There are a lot homeless people in my neighborhood, which causes a lot of drug abuse, theft and a feeling of being unsafe. The City of Los Angeles must create programs to assist the homeless so that they can find a way out of drug addiction, programs so they can find a way back on their two feet and provide fo themselves."-Stephanie Salvador
"Homelessness affects me deeply every day. No human being should ever have to go a day without having a safe, warm place to call home. That is why I try to do my best donating to organizations like United Way LA and I advise others to come together and do the same."-Kathleen Benavides
"I have not personally experienced being homeless. Yet, I have encountered the issue many times on my way to work. It is heart breaking to see people living in the street.
I read that other states created a program which provides a small wage in exchange for trash. Huge issue homelessness carries is the accumulation of trash. This incentive is a wonderful incentive that may reduce the accumulation Los Angeles has in particular and may reduce the collection of it within the spring of tent cities. This creates a job opportunity. Among mental health and addiction, sudden job loss highly contributes to homelessness."-Tatiana Barbour
I read that other states created a program which provides a small wage in exchange for trash. Huge issue homelessness carries is the accumulation of trash. This incentive is a wonderful incentive that may reduce the accumulation Los Angeles has in particular and may reduce the collection of it within the spring of tent cities. This creates a job opportunity. Among mental health and addiction, sudden job loss highly contributes to homelessness."-Tatiana Barbour
"Homelessness is not a choice, in all cases. Despite this, we must devise a plan to aid our community, we ourselves may one day end up in the same situation."-Jessica Martinez (myself)
Citations
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