Homelessness Problem in Los Angeles Essay Example

Did you know that according to Best Places, the cost of housing to live in Los Angeles, California is 238.9% more expensive than the housing costs in Albuquerque, New Mexico? Los Angeles is often known as one of the most expensive places to live in the United States. But why? Many believe that it is due to the high population of the city and its surrounding areas. Los Angeles is indeed a very expensive city to live in, housing in Los Angeles is not affordable compared to other states and we should be worried because many families are starting to become homeless due to the increase in housing costs in that area.

The amount of homelessness in Los Angeles has increased severely since 2019. According to Spectrum News 1, “In January 2019, Los Angeles County had 58,936 people experiencing homelessness, but by January 2020 the number rose to 66,433.” This is likely due to the high costs of living that are required in the LA area. Many find it easier to buy a $50 tent from Walmart than paying rent or a mortgage on a property that is $1800 a month. I do not disagree, the cost of living in Los Angeles is outrageous and should not be as high as it is. 

Why is homelessness such an issue and what does it have to do with high housing costs? Quite a bit actually, both of these concepts play hand in hand. For example, a single mother of three children has a job, and she makes around $2000 a month. Her rent is $1850 for a one-bedroom apartment in an unsafe neighborhood, once she pays this and her water and electric bill, she only has around $100 left to pay for groceries and any other necessities that her family may need. This is not enough money to support her family and by the third month, she is unable to pay her bills causing her and her children to be homeless. After they get evicted, they are forced to find a new place to call home, whether it be a street corner or a tent bought from a local store. Although this story is fictional, things like this are happening all around not only Los Angeles, but the world. 

“Between 2006 and 2013, the region's median rent rose by nearly 11 percent; during the same time, median renter income declined by four percent… fewer than five percent of rental units are affordable for low-income residents” (Milder). This shows that the rent in Los Angeles County is extremely high and it continues to increase frequently. This is an issue because when you increase a cost, there is always a chance that someone will not be able to pay it. With this, low-income residents are forced to scrounge for even more money to try and pay the increased amount owed. If this does not happen, there is the possibility of eviction. So, the rent increase can also potentially increase the possibility of homelessness in the county. 

Affordable housing is such a big deal in Los Angeles because it can also help with raising children. “Homelessness was reported as due primarily to economic pressures of housing costs, but personal and family problems frequently played a contributing role, especially for single-parent families” (Wood et al). When a child is not in a safe and stable environment, they are likely to have mental and physical health issues and be exposed to substance use at a young age, according to Brown et al. Getting homeless youth off the streets can overall help decrease substance use in teens and young adolescents. Therefore, affordable housing can also affect the lifestyle of teens too. 

How can we help decrease the amount of homelessness in LA? This is a question that can only be answered through time, the ability to change this issue could not be answered or changed overnight. This takes time and it needs the help of a community to be effective in doing so. “Effective programs stop people at risk of homelessness from becoming homeless. Efficient programs target individuals and families who are at high risk of homelessness, i.e. those who would become homeless in the absence of assistance, rather than those who would find a way to maintain stable housing even without assistance” (Von Wachter et al). Being effective and efficient is a very significant way that we can start seeing changes in homelessness. Some ways you can help this is by giving to charities that help support homeless families, you can also donate old clothes to homeless shelters. Along with food, water, blankets, toiletries, and other necessities that one may need. Although this won’t be the end of homelessness, it can help get as many people off the streets as possible. 

Overall, the increasing cost of housing in Los Angeles County is playing a big part in the increase of homelessness in that area. To prevent this, we must try and raise awareness of how bad this is affecting our community. Affordable housing is necessary if we want homelessness to decrease.