Getting through the night One man injects himself while another sleeps in a wheelchair near 7th and San Julian Place. Dealers can be seen night or day talking business; fights on skid row are not infrequent. (Francine Orr / LAT)
Mayoral visit Antonio Villaraigosa, left, meets Lucille Reid, 36, and Charles Muldrew, 59, on a recent trip to skid row. (Francine Orr / LAT)
Cramped quarters TJ sits inside the portable toilet on skid row where she sleeps, changes clothes and entertains. (Francine Orr / LAT)
Camped out People take refuge in the Midnight Missions entrance near 6th and San Julian streets. The overflow area contains heaters, lights and bathrooms. (Francine Orr / LAT)
Under the night sky The homeless try to sleep under the glare of lights in the courtyard at the front entrance at the downtown Midnight Mission. (Francine Orr / LAT)
Street life William Jefferson, 55, tries to dry out his blankets on 5th Street after being caught in the rain. Thousands of the homeless are camped out within a few city blocks containing assistance agencies and facilities in downtown Los Angeles. (Francine Orr / LAT)
