L.A.'s homeless: A progress report

Nearly 18 months ago, a group of scholars released a study on homelessness in Los Angeles County. The report, "A Reality-based Approach to Ending Homelessness in Los Angeles," said that a worsening economy, a shortage of affordable housing, cutbacks in welfare programs and personal vulnerabilities (including mental disabilities and health-related issues) were all contributing to a rise in homelessness in the county, and that skid row was bearing the brunt of the burden of caring for them.

By Jennifer Wolch, Gary Blasi and Michael Dear

June 22, 2008