LA’s Homelessness: It Is An Uphill Battle
The struggle to end homelessness is going to be tough. Why? Because it is not as “simple” as building enough affordable housing for the homeless. That, alone, would cost billions and billions of dollars.
There are so many other issues going on. Like lack of employment, and the overwhelming prevalence of poverty in our county.
The Institute For The Study of Homelessness and Poverty has an interesting study on their website, called, “City at a Crossroads, Poverty, Jobs, and the Future of Los Angeles.” It is published by the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy.
Here are some interesting (sad) facts:
· 30% of low wage workers in LA County have trouble putting food on the table.
· 12% of LA County residents can afford to buy a median priced home, compared to 38% 10 years ago.
· The 3 occupations with the most job openings in the next 6 years in LA are: retail salespersons, cashiers, and waiters/waitresses.
· 39% of LA County residents are eligible for government assistance.
· Median income in LA County fell 11% in the 1990s.
· 60% of the largest growing jobs in the next 6 years will pay less than $10 an hour.
“Nearly 40% of LA County residents are eligible for government assistance.” That means they are struggling with poverty. That also means that even if we deal with the already 88,000 people who are homeless, we still have another potential wave of people who could very well become homeless.
Ending homelessness will be a difficult battle.
posted by LA's Homeless Blog at
10:00 AM
1 Comments:
I can certainly vouch for the economy as being a prime factor for the ever increasing amount of homelessness in this country. About six months back I made the realization that I'd not be able to keep up with expenses and I'd be homeless before long. When expenses are higher than income trouble is the only result.
And I'm not the only one out there either. Though blogging and internet discussion groups I've found others who are in my exact same situation. And if there are those of us fortunate enough to still have internet access then how many are going without. Come May 1st I will be joining two of my online friends in hitting the streets and living out of our vehicles as we can no longer afford traditional housing.
How is it that in this country there can be increasing numbers of people being forced into poverty? And how can politicians say an increase in the minimum wage is not needed or beneficial then simply drop the whole problem before addressing it with their own solution? How can I an my friends work full-time while still not earning enough to live in a building? And lets not even dare throwing basic medical care into the mix too.
For perspective you can see my blog, Hoopty Life, from which there are links to other people's blog. Or simply google for keywords like "van dweller." You'll find plenty of us out there.
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