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Homelessness in Los Angeles
The definition of the term homelessness widely varies in from place to place; however the commonly accepted definition describes it as the state in which people don’t have a regular dwelling place. Homelessness is a problem that affects many people in the world. However, despite this fact, there are many people who are homeless in Metro Los Angeles and South Los Angeles. Some are from Los Angeles while others are immigrants from other countries.
This state has been on increase over time. In 1990, there were about 7,706 homeless people within the limits of Los Angeles city (Barry J. and Donald M 1993). According to the institute for the study of homeless and poverty, there is now an estimated 254,000 people in Los Angeles who are homeless.
What are the causes of this state? There are several causes of homelessness in Los Angeles. One of the causes is poverty. Poverty is inextricably linked to homelessness. This is because poor people are not in a position to meet their basic needs which include shelter (housing), food and clothing. This poverty is attributed to the declining opportunities in employment as well as the reducing value and lack of adequate public support to the poor in Los Angeles. Although there is growth in wages at all levels, this increases has not adequately thwarted the immobile and declining wage pattern. This in turn is attributed to low bargaining powers of workers in unions, reduction in manufacturing occupations, globalization, among other factors (Mishel, Bernstein, and Schmitt, 1999)
Racial prejudice also causes homelessness in Los Angeles (Mark A. 2013). There is a wide difference between the homeless U.S citizens and other people from foreign nations. Approximately half of the Los Angeles County homeless population is composed of African Americans. According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority report of 2006, nearly 39% of the homeless people in Los Angeles were black. 29% were white and 25% Hispanic.
Other factors include domestic violence. Women facing domestic violence chose between abusive relationships and staying homelessness. Majority of homeless women leave their homes to become homeless due to domestic violence (U.S. conference of Mayors, 1998)
In addition, homelessness is also caused by health problems especially mental illness. According to Kosgel, an approximate 20-25 percent of the homeless adults especially those who are suffer from mental illness (Koesgel et al, 1996). According to the report by Federal task force of Homelessness and severe mental illness, only about 5-7 percent of homeless people with mental illness need to be taken to various institutes that handle such problems. However majority are unable to access these services.
In conclusion, it is evident that there is an increase in the number of homeless people in Los Angeles. Studies has shown that, most of the homeless people in Los Angeles were living in Los Angeles before they lost their shelter, divergent to common belief that the warm climate drew has attracted people from other places. Homelessness in Los Angeles is caused by a number of circumstances. However this can be alleviated by ensuring that there are available jobs for the people to meet their needs, government support to the disabled or ill, instilling affordable housing to the low income earners and making it possible for the public to access health services.
References
· Barry J. Seltser and Donald E. Miller “ Homeless Families: The struggle for Dignity ” Board of trustees of the University of Illinois. USA.1993. 135-136
· Daskal, Jennifer. “ In Search of Shelter: The Growing Shortage of Affordable Rental Housing ”. Cambridge University Press: New York. USA. 1988
· Federal Task Force on Homelessness and Severe Mental Illness. Outcasts on Main Street: “A Report of the Federal Task Force on Homelessness and Severe Mental Illness”, 1992. Available, free, from the National Resource Center on Homelessness and Mental Illness, 262 Delaware Ave., Delmar, NY 12054-1123; 800/444-7415,
· Koegel, Paul, et al. " The Causes of Homelessness," in Homelessness in America, Oryx Press: National Coalition for the Homeless, 2201 P St NW, Washington, D.C. 1996
· Mark Abrahamson “ urban sociology: A global Introduction”. Cambridge University Press. 32 Avenue of the Americans. New York. USA.2013 116-118
· Mishel, L., Bernstein, J., and Schmitt, J. “ The State of Working America: 1998-99 ”, 1999. Economic Policy Institute, 1660 L Street, NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20036; 202/331-5510.
· U.S. Conference of Mayors. “A Status Report on Hunger and Homelessness in America's Cities:1988” . U.S. Conference of Mayors, 1620 Eye St., NW, 4th Floor, Washington, DC, 20006-4005, 202/293-7330.
