Homelessness, part of LA’s culture?
Los Angeles, my city, city of Angels.
A city famed as the center of the nation’s film industry were anyone can see that iconic Hollywood sign, and the display of celebrity stars known as the Walk of Fame. This is a city which has attracted people from all over the world to enjoy its perfect weather and endless day and night activities, not to mention the skyscrapers of Downtown. This is a city to be rich in culture as well as those who reside in it, but it faces a huge problem, homelessness.
For those who visit it the first time, this is a shock, how can there be homeless living amongst the city’s glamor? For us Angelenos, this is not a surprise. The homeless epidemic has only gotten worse, and most of us cannot go a day without witnessing someone living on the street. I know most of you have heard and read about this problem whether it be on the news, a newspaper, a documentary, or maybe heard or know of someone who ended in this unfortunate situation. Whatever the case may be, it has become part of the Los Angeles culture. Growing up I have become accustomed to this sight and now more than ever as the homeless population grows. I never realized it to be an important issue because it was part of where I grew up and part of the city’s landscape, until one day I witnessed a mother and her two young children in the corner of a freeway exit, asking for any help. This had such a huge impact on me that I have decided to educate myself on the matter, and bring awareness in the hope that some of you may want to take action and help diminish, if not end, homelessness in Los Angeles.
Last year, city officials and elected leaders declared the city in a “state of emergency” on the growing homeless population and committed to $100 million towards helping homeless receive basic services such as housing and food among others. According to the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority, the homeless population jumped 12% in the last couple of years with nearly 26,000 of them residing in the city alone. Places like skid row, where homeless have a chance at receiving shelter, is not enough to house them all.
Why is this happening, and why has the city not taken action?
In 2015, the Los Angeles Times reported on the issue and found that experts blamed the increase of rents, low wages and high unemployment rates to have contributed to this matter. There is also the problem of gentrification in downtown, where affordable hotels and single-room apartments are being replaced for luxurious condos and apartments, to attract “wealthier people,” and remove those who cannot afford these apartments, out of sight. The city’s affordable housing fund is now trying to provide more money, so that homeless have a roof on their heads, but political support has been remote.
This is a sad and frustrating reality that my city has to face on a daily basis. As more and more luxurious condos and beautiful apartments are being built, more and more people are being thrown to the street, unable to afford a single-apartment home because of ridiculous rent prices. I am yet no expert on the matter, but one thing is for sure, I am seeing younger people and more families living on the streets with nowhere else to go, and that, is fact.
What are your thoughts on this?
