Many people want to live in and visit Los Angeles, as it is seen as the land of opportunity. However, that opportunity is not extending out to large segments of the population as shown by the fact that LA has an extremely high rate of homelessness that affects everyone living in the city. Everywhere you go you will spot homeless people, specifically at parks, beaches, beneath bridges, bus stops, and basically anywhere in the streets.

Homelessness in LA is a big problem. The federal report shows that California’s homeless population was at 161,548 people as of January 2020, prior to the pandemic, a 7% increase from 2019. The number then jumped 13% over the same time period, to 66,436 by January of 2020. It has only gotten worse over the years and to this day there are about 66,433 people in need.

This is an issue that has been gaining attention as more and more people are involved in helping the crisis. Common methods include distributing food, donating clothes/money, fundraising, and uploading videos that encourage others to help out as well.

After years of advocating from the public, the valley has finally been able to build homes for the homeless. Next to the West Valley Regional Branch Library for example, homes are currently under construction. Flyers have been distributed around the neighborhood informing residents of the newest actions that will be taken to help the homeless off the streets. Many, of course, are happy with this since those in need will now have a place to stay without having to suffer through the troubles of sleeping on the side of the road.

While some people are happy with the decision of having these homes built, others are not pleased as they fear a homeless shelter built near a library and park would serve as a possible danger to children. This is something that caused a bit of commotion as the neighbors living in the West Valley disagreed with the idea. Neighbors complained and discussed with one another about these actions and even called the number on the flyers to demand a change.

In February of this year, Warner Center News stated, “As of now, there are two sites scheduled for cabin homes in the West Valley. One is in the parking lot directly behind Councilman Blumenfield’s office at Vanowen and Yarmouth. Fifty cabins are planned for that location. Another 75 cabins will be built at the second site near the METRO station on Topham just west of Reseda Blvd., which is currently an underutilized space. Bathrooms, showers and laundry will be offered, and there will be on-site case management to make sure people get the individual services they need. The County is responsible for providing basic health and mental health services as well as other critical elements.” This means that now more and more homes are being built and we should expect to see them in different parts of the valley very soon.

Sooner than later, there will be less and less people in need on the streets and back on their feet. While these actions taken by the city may not please everyone, they are necessary to help the struggling people of Los Angeles rebound from homelessness.