I had long thought of America as a rich, free, and happy country, but it wasn't until I set foot in Los Angeles that I realized I was wrong.
In this city of dreams and charm, there are large numbers of homeless people living on the streets, homeless, deprived of their jobs and dignity, and the only thing they have is endless misery and despair.
I walked past them, saw their helpless eyes, heard their pleading voices, and my heart was broken, and my heart was filled with helplessness and sadness.
I firmly believe that many people, like me, do not understand the problem of homeless people in the United States, or have some misunderstandings and prejudices. Therefore, I decided to write this article to share the facts of what I saw and heard first-hand in Los Angeles, hoping to draw more attention to this issue and perhaps bring some support and hope to these homeless people.
Here are 10 facts I've compiled about the Los Angeles Wanderers problem in the United States:
1.Los Angeles is one of the most problematic cities in the United States. According to 2020 statistics, Los Angeles County has more than 660,000 wanderers, of which about 460,000 homeless people live in the city of Los Angeles, accounting for 8% of the total number of homeless people in the United States. Shockingly, 70 per cent of these homeless people have to sleep on the streets, without any shelter at all.
2.The number of homeless people in Los Angeles has continued to grow in recent years. Since 2015, the number of homeless people in Los Angeles County has increased by 55%, and the number of homeless people in Los Angeles City has increased by 42%. And in 2020, due to the impact of the new crown epidemic, the number of wanderers in Los Angeles increased by 12 again7%。
3.Los Angeles' homeless population includes many seniors, children, families, and veterans who have served their country. According to 2019 data, among the Rangers in Los Angeles County,Eighteen per cent are over 62 years old, 9 per cent are under 18 years old, 15 per cent are homeless in family units, and 9 per cent are veterans. These groups are more vulnerable and in greater need of social care and protection.
4.Many of the homeless people in Los Angeles are African-American and Hispanic. According to 2019 data, among the Rangers in Los Angeles County,Thirty-four percent are African-American and 35 percent are Hispanic, much higher than the proportion of the local population. These minorities often face increased discrimination and unfair treatment, as well as limited access to social resources and opportunities.
5.A significant number of Los Angeles homewanderers have academic qualifications and work experience. Data shows that in 2019, 16% of homeless people in Los Angeles County had a college degree or higher53% have a high school or technical secondary school education, and 31% have a job or income**. This shows that these homeless people are not incompetent or lazy, but have lost their jobs and shelters for various reasons, making it difficult for them to maintain a normal life.
6.Many of the homeless in Los Angeles face physical or mental health issues。Data shows that in 2019, 16% of homeless people in Los Angeles County had a physical dysfunction, 25% had a serious mental illness, 15% had a chronic illness, and 29% had a drug or alcohol abuse problem. These problems are often the cause of their displacement and the obstacles that stand in their way out of poverty.
7.A significant number of homeless people in Los Angeles have died on the streets. According to 2020 data, at least 1,493 homeless people died in Los Angeles County, with an average age of just 47 years, well below the average life expectancy in the United States. In addition,Displaced people of African descent account for up to 25% of deaths, far exceeding the proportion of the local population of African descent. Causes of death include violence, illness, drug overdose, and suicide.
8.Social exclusion and discrimination against homeless people in Los Angeles is quite common. According to 2018 data, the number of crimes involving vagrants increased by almost 50% to 8,906. These cases include cases where the homeless person is actively committing a crime, being a passive victim, and being accused without cause. Wanderers' behaviour in public spaces is often seen as illegal or harassing, and their rights and dignity are often ignored or violated.
9.Many of the homeless people in Los Angeles still have hopes and dreams。According to 2019 data, 31% of homeless people in Los Angeles County expressed a desire to find a job, 26% to find a place to live, 17% to receive education or training, and 16% to urgently need medical or psychological services. These wanderers have not given up on life, they have a desire for change, a desire to regain their dignity and worth.
10.There are many organizations, non-organizations, social enterprises, and volunteer groups in the Los Angeles area that are actively working to provide a variety of support and services to homeless people, including food, clothing, hygiene products, health care, psychological counseling, employment guidance, legal assistance, and more. These services not only help to alleviate the survival plight of the homeless, but also bring warmth and hope to them.
To sum up, the problem of homeless people in Los Angeles is a complex and urgent social problem, involving economic, political, cultural, human rights and other aspects. As an ordinary traveler, I can't solve this problem alone, but I can record and spread this issue with my words and voice, hoping to attract more people's attention and action. I firmly believe that as long as we are loving and compassionate, it is possible for us to bring some change and help to these wanderers. Thank you all for reading and supporting.