The Faces Of Los Angeles' Homeless

Just four and a half miles from USC’s new, sprawling Village, is what looks like its own small city of squalid tents — Skid Row. While physically close, the strip of makeshift sleeping spots and temporary homes is a world away. From the boardwalks of Venice to the unlikely alleys of Beverly Hills, the scope of homelessness is unavoidable. The staggering problem firmly grips our region.

Mayor Eric Garcetti made bold promises to end chronic homelessness. Yet homelessness rose every year since he took office in 2013. During the mayor’s tenure, the ranks of the homeless increased 49 percent, according to the Los Angeles Times. People who live on our streets overflow with advice for politicians and law enforcement and how they treat their community.

Forty-five reporters from USC Annenberg’s graduate program took to the neighborhoods of Los Angeles to better understand these stories straight from the sources. Who are these people who have been left with no shelter? What bonds them together as a community? How are the policies of our politicians affecting their day-to-day lives?

Contrary to popular belief, homeless people in Los Angeles are not mostly mentally ill or addicted to drugs. Many came to Los Angeles in pursuit of an artistic dream. Many were shocked by gentrification and quick-rising prices. Others were hurt by our housing and healthcare systems. Some are simply homeless by choice. Here is a glimpse into the textured lives of this overlooked community.

Neon editors: Heran Mamo and Rebecca Katz

This project is a collaboration with USCAnnenbergmedia’s Interactives Desk editor Sarah Soutoul, Joe Calabrese and Bonnie Sun.