The real story of how L.A. became the epicenter of America's homeless crisis
Briefly

In the late 1970s, a significant increase in street homelessness in Los Angeles marked a turning point, influenced by public policy changes. The term 'homeless' evolved, encompassing individuals living on the streets rather than solely those affected by disasters. Currently, Los Angeles has the highest number of homeless individuals in the United States, with over 75,000 reported in 2023, dwarfing the populations of many smaller counties in California. The prevalence of homelessness reflects systemic issues rather than being an inherent urban problem.
The increased visibility of people living on the streets emerged in the late 1970s as public policy reshaped perspectives and definitions surrounding homelessness in Los Angeles.
As of 2023, Los Angeles has a homeless population exceeding 75,000 individuals, significantly higher than many smaller counties in California.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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