LA declares shelter crisis to help homeless

Debra Jackson lives in a tent pitched over 42nd Street bridge over 110 Freeway in Los Angles.

Marvin Burrus, 58, standing next his portable shelter, weeps recalling reasons for being homeless. His portable shelter is parked on 42nd Street bridge above the 110 Freeway in Los Angles.

With an estimated 26,000 people calling Los Angeles sidewalks, cars and storm drains home, city officials on Tuesday approved an expanded campaign to help the homeless this winter by opening public buildings as temporary shelters and allowing people to sleep inside vehicles in designated lots.

Homeless person Montana Eustis stands on 42nd Street bridge over 110 Freeway in Los Angles.

Marvin Burrus sweeps the area around his portable shelter parked on 42nd Street bridge above the 110 Freeway in Los Angles.