Five Surprising Facts About L.A.'s Homeless and How to End Homelessness

In a fact-packed article, intentionally written during the holiday of good will toward others and organized like an outline for quick scanning, real estate and affordable housing adviser Michael P. Russell offers knowledge about L.A.'s homeless population, the country's largest. He also offfers facts and opinions about the obstacles and the politics of homelessness. Finally, he lays out fundamentals for what is needed to "un-homeless" L.A.'s homeless population, or at least provide a more humane and healthy environment.  

For example he lists "five mind blowing facts about the profile of homeless people":

• One third are children (National Coalition for the Homeless)

• 50% are women and children fleeing domestic violence (multiple studies)

• Most people are homeless for two months (In fact, two-thirds are off the streets in two months.) (National Symposium on Homelessness Research)

• 25% of homeless people are employed (National Coalition for the Homeless)

• Many people become addicts after becoming homeless, not before. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration study) The study found that of the homeless: 

• 38% are alcoholics

• 26% are addicted to other substances

• 25% suffer from mental illness

Russell doesn't shy away from laying blame. Included on that list are Mayor Garcetti and the Veterans Administration.  He says:

To date, candidly, the response of politicians and bureaucrats has been less than underwhelming. 

Jim Mangia [head of St. John's Well Child & Family Center in South Los Angeles, which runs 10 health clinics] shares the growing sentiment of many in the City of Los Angeles.  "There's not a serious response on the part of the city leadership."

The solution?

In addition to naming one person to be responsible for homelessness in the City of Los Angeles, like they do in New York City, the following is a recap of the financial commitment that is needed by the City of Los Angeles ($ Millions): 

Cleaning, trash receptacles, showers and toilets:    3

Temporary shelter:                                      28

Permanent Housing (Annual):                        200

Annual Cost                                           $228

Russell concludes: 

I am not sure that the City of Los Angeles has the will or the skill to deal with the homeless problem.  If they cannot muster up both, Los Angeles will remain the homeless capital of America.  No amount of political spin will change this.