Homelessness in 2018: a Snapshot of Los Angeles County

Understanding the Roots of Homelessness in Los Angeles

Homelessness is a significant social problem arising from factors such as poverty, physical and mental health issues, addiction, and family problems. Similar to other cities and counties, Los Angeles County continues to grapple with the rising issue of homelessness. According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, the annual funding for homeless programs fell short by $73 million last year (Los Angeles Times, 2018). Despite being home to affluent Hollywood stars and their mansions, the streets of LA reveal a different reality, with many homeless individuals living in tents and makeshift shelters. High rental costs are driving more residents into poverty. The California Housing Partnership reports that nearly 1.5 million households in Southern California lack access to affordable housing (California Housing Partnership, 2018). Los Angeles ranks among the top five cities worldwide for homeless populations.

A Closer Look at Los Angeles County's Homelessness in 2018

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) conducted an extensive statistical survey in 2017 to accurately determine the number of homeless individuals categorized as 'Unsheltered' or 'Sheltered'. The results indicated that 57,794 people were homeless, marking a 23% increase from 2016 (LAHSA, 2018). Areas like Antelope Valley and East LA saw the most significant percentage increases, at 50%. Racial and ethnic disparities were evident, with Hispanic or Latino and Black/African-American populations experiencing increases of 63% and 28%, respectively. Many of these individuals come from extremely low-income families unable to afford housing. The same report highlights that Los Angeles County needs approximately 551,807 more affordable rental homes to bridge this gap. Alarmingly, the number of people becoming homeless due to domestic violence or intimate partner violence has more than doubled.

The Historical Context and Challenges of Skid Row

When discussing homelessness in Los Angeles, Skid Row often comes to mind, frequently seen as a national disgrace. The boundaries of Skid Row are loosely defined, but it is most commonly known to span from 3rd to 7th streets, north to south, and along Alameda and Main from east to west. This 54-block area has a storied history dating back to the late 1800s when it became home to transient workers and individuals fleeing past troubles. The area also became a last stop for train station riders without a destination. Despite numerous efforts over the years to clean up the area, these attempts have largely failed. Service providers like the Union Rescue Mission strive to rehabilitate people rather than just offer food and shelter. However, challenges persist, with some individuals seeing Skid Row as a permanent living arrangement, thus complicating efforts for sustainable change (Davis, 2018).

Recent Legislative Efforts and Future Prospects

With a new bill passed by the government last year, allocating more funds than before, Los Angeles now has a better chance to address some aspects of the homelessness issue (California Legislative Information, 2018). However, this raises many questions. Even with increased funding, dilemmas about spending methods persist. Which individuals will receive assistance? Will there be quotas? Do all homeless individuals deserve these services? What if people have different or special needs? How far is the government willing to go for each individual? There is a substantial amount of research needed before channeling taxpayers' money into such projects. Homelessness is a complex issue, and while people should be offered assistance, it should be approached analytically and strategically.

Efforts to Tackle Homelessness in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is striving to overcome the social issue of homelessness. It is difficult to witness people in such conditions, and the City and County of L.A. are working together to bring these individuals into homes. Hopefully, with dual ballot measures like the L.A. County Homeless Initiative (Measure H) and Supportive Housing (Proposition HHH), this social issue can be managed within the city, allowing people to enjoy its beauty (Los Angeles County, 2018; City of Los Angeles, 2018).

References

California Housing Partnership. (2018). California's Housing Emergency: State Leaders Must Prioritize Affordable Homes. California Housing Partnership.

California Legislative Information. (2018). Bill Text - AB-3171 Homeless Persons Services Block Grant. California Legislative Information.

City of Los Angeles. (2018). Proposition HHH: Supportive Housing & Facilities. City of Los Angeles.

Davis, M. (2018). The History and Future of Skid Row in Los Angeles. Journal of Urban History, 44(5), 855-870.

Los Angeles County. (2018). Measure H: The Los Angeles County Plan to Prevent and Combat Homelessness. Los Angeles County.

Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). (2018). 2018 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count - Data Summary. LAHSA.

Los Angeles Times. (2018). Funding Shortfall for Homeless Programs in L.A. Los Angeles Times.