With more than 36,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles, the situation has escalated dramatically, with people resorting to living in tents, under bridges, or any available shelter.

The number of homeless individuals in Los Angeles has surged significantly over the past few years, currently standing at 36,000, marking a 16% increase from 2018. Mayor Eric Garcetti characterized the situation as a severe emergency, stating, “Homelessness is a massive emergency in our city. It’s a crisis unlike anything we’ve seen before.” The issue extends beyond the city limits, as LA County has also witnessed a 12% increase in homelessness since 2018. Reports from the LA Times indicate that officials are taken aback by the statistics. Despite LA County’s substantial financial investment in addressing homelessness, the staggering numbers persist unabated.

Presently, there are 59,000 homeless individuals across LA County, enduring substandard living conditions that are distressing on all fronts. A significant 75% of the homeless population in LA County resides outdoors, raising public health alarms regarding the proliferation of rats and waste around makeshift camps in downtown areas. Addressing the shortage of affordable housing poses a considerable challenge, with no viable solutions in sight. The lack of affordable housing is exacerbating rental costs, driving more individuals into homelessness, perpetuating a detrimental cycle of poverty. Authorities are grappling with the rapid escalation in homelessness figures, despite substantial financial resources allocated toward alleviating the crisis.