Skid Row in Los Angeles is home to the largest stable population of homeless persons in the United States, ranging from 7,000 to 8,000 people, a fraction of the 80,000 people who sleep on the streets every night in Los Angeles.

The city promises to do something about the growing homeless populution, specifically to address the needs of those on Skid Row, but there is yet to be tangible results.

After spending significant time on Skid Row, it became clear that not all are alcoholics or drug addicts, though some definitely are, doing drug deals on street corners, behind backs and before eyes, but many are educated, some at USC, the prestigious university just a few miles away, and have suffered difficult life circumstances that forced them to the streets. And in Los Angeles, where the glitz and flare of wealth beckons from the skyscrapers and entertainment industry, on Skid Row, people are struggling to survive, and there are not enough rescue missions or shelters to accomodate everyone.

Of particular concern are the children of Skid Row, born into poverty and living a life not too far different than street children in developing nations. And these small ones have been nearly completely ignored.

• 04/12/2007 11:19
  • 03/28/2007 10:58
  • 03/28/2007 10:35