The Homeless People in the Downtown Los Angeles Community
by Jatika Williams

OUTLINE INTRODUCTION OBSERVATIONS COMMUNITY'S PRESENT PLANS COMMUNITY'S FUTURE PLANS THE NEEDS HOMELESS PEOPLE WANT IN THE COMMUNITY LOCATIONS OF SHELTERS AND SERVICES IN THE COMMUNITY DIFFERENT MEANINGS OF THE WORD HOMELESS STAGES A HOMELESS PERSON MAY GO THROUGH REASONS WHY PEOPLE ARE HOMELESS ATTITUDES TOWARDS HOMELESS PEOPLE STEREOTYPES ABOUT HOMELESS PEOPLE IS SOCIETY STILL SYMPATHIC TOWARDS HOMELESS PEOPLE? SOLUTIONS TO THE HOMELESS PROBLEM CONCLUSION APPENDIX WORK CITED BIBLIOGRAPHY 1 The Downtown Los Angeles Community is in the middle of three major freeways: it is between the 5 and 10 and the 110 circles around it a bit. The homeless problem has given the Downtown Los Angeles Community the distinction of being one of the largest communities' of homeless people in the country. Iím also going to explain, with the help from conducting interviews, observations and research what it means to be homeless. This paper attempts to give an understanding about the homeless people in the Community. The reason why people should take in consideration that the homeless problem is very serious is because these people are human beings, and they are in the need of some help. If we move away from trying to help people in need, who will help us when are in need of help? In the first section describes some observations in the Downtown Los Angeles Community. The second section will focus on the present plans in the community. The third section is on the future plans in the Downtown Los Angeles Community. The fourth section is about the needs homeless people have in this area. The fifth section is focused on the locations of the different shelters and services in the Downtown Los Angeles area. The sixth section is about the complicated meaning of the word homeless. The seventh section focuses on the different stages which homeless people go through when they first become homeless. The eighth section is about the reasons people become homeless. The ninth section is about the general attitude people have about homeless people as individuals. The tenth section is about the different stereotypes people in society have labeled homeless people as a group. The eleventh section is about societyís sympathy when it comes to the homeless problem. In the twelfth section will be solutions to the 2 homeless problem and the different strategies that should have been taken by our Government in order to avoid the homeless problem today. Another solution is the question whether mentally ill homeless people should be reinstitutionalized since the high number of homeless people in the Downtown Los Angeles Community have mental illnesses. The homeless problem is like an onion, it has many rings, but hopefully we can find a way in our hearts to help in the effort to end homelessness. OBSERVATIONS The first observation I noticed was a few historical buildings in this Community such as the Los Angeles Athletic Club, located on 431 West 7th Street. Another building about two blocks west from the Athletic Club is the famous Biltmore Hotel, which is located on 5th Street and Grand Avenue. These were just a few of the historical buildings in this community. The second observation in the Downtown Los Angeles community is the Garment District, which is located around Los Angeles Street, Wall Street, and other streets in this community. The Garment District is one of the strong economic forces in the Community. According to John Allen (1987) who wrote in the Los Angeles Times, ìThe Garment District in Downtown Los Angeles is literally grossing on a yearly basis over 1 billion dollars a year.î This means that the Garment District is big business not only for the Downtown Los Angeles Community but for the City of Los Angeles as well. The third observation I noticed was the construction of new corporate buildings and face-lifts of older buildings for offices. Quite a bit of new construction is taking place around Wilshire Blvd., Hope St., Grand Ave., and 5th, 6th and 7th Street mainly on the west side of the Downtown Los Angeles Community. A substantial number of the 3 buildings particularly on the west side of Downtown are being taken over by corporations. This side also seems to be taken care of much better and looks nicer than the streets where the sweat shops in the Garment District are located. The streets near the sweatshops are filthy, dirty and not kept up. The fourth observation I noticed is the heavy traffic problems in this Community. Iíve observed from approximately 7:00am to 7:00pm continuously heavy traffic Monday through Friday. On Saturday and Sunday the traffic is basically heavy 12:00pm to at least 5:00pm. Alina Tugend (1989) states in the Los Angeles Times about the Downtown Los Angeles traffic ìÖ.the amount of traffic has increased by 30% in the past ten years.î The fifth observation I noticed in the Downtown Los Angeles Community is the homeless problem. I observed some homeless people sleeping underneath store display cases on Broadway Blvd. Others I have seen carrying bags of cans, trash, or their personal possessions down the streets of Downtown Los Angeles. Other homeless people were just sitting on the curb looking, thinking and observing the passing cars. In other parts of Downtown Los Angeles near the Little Tokyo Center located on 2nd St. on the Eastside of Downtown Los Angeles homeless people are literally all around this area. COMMUNITY'S PRESENT PLAN The Downtown Los Angeles Community homeless problem has three different things that are happening at this present time. The first problem is that this Community is in a great need of expanding more services to better help the homeless people. The services provided at this present time are very good, but the demand for them is ten times greater than the supply. For example, shelters have a shortage of beds for homeless 4 people to sleep on at night. Shelters are definitely in great demand. Christopher Jencks (1994) gives shelters this comment about shelters, ìThese shelters tried to improve the lives of the homeless, and they apparently are succeeding.î The second thing is that this community is benefiting economically from homeless people living in it. The homeless people tend to buy food from local restaurants and fast food businesses in the area, and they also may purchase clothing from the local clothing stores and other necessities from other businesses. Whether or not the homeless people get money from panhandling or from the government, homeless people are helping the Downtown Los Angeles Community economy grow in a positive way. The third thing is that the Government has made laws against panhandling. Among the reasons why some people thought these laws are necessary, according to Gregory P. Kane in the Congressional Quarterly Researcher (1996), ìPanhandlers were no longer taking ënoí as the answer to requests for money. They were getting surly, bilious, and argumentative. They were acting, in short, as though they were entitled to everyoneís money.î Parts of what the Congressional Quarterly Researcher (1996) state are very good reasons why people are against any kind of panhandling in the Downtown Los Angeles Community. On the other hand people are on the defense as the Coalition for the Homeless states,ìÖhomeless begging is an act intended to provide someone with food, clothing or shelter.î The homeless are in fact helping the American economy grow by purchasing items from businesses in communities. This issue looks as though there has been no resolution breached between both sides of the issue. 5 COMMUNITY'S FUTURE PLANS The Downtown Los Angeles Community has three future plans that may affect homeless people. The first event is that politicians are currently trying to get an arena built in the Downtown Los Angeles Community. The Arena will supposedly bring in a lot of money and business to the Community. During the time this Arena is being built the homeless people will probably move away from the Community. I also believe that if any homeless people resist the move, they will probably be more than likely be sent to jail. The second event will be that in the wake of the arena the homeless shelters, agencies and services will be pushed out of this community as well. A lot of their clients will follow them to the new location, but the rest of them will become even more bewildered about things. The support system for homeless people in the Downtown Los Angeles Community will be disabled by the moving of the needed agencies and services. The third event that will take place will be a sense of understanding that an Arena is far worse than the homeless problem at this time. The Arena will bring a lot of crime, unhealthy smog levels, and definitely more traffic in this community. The end result will be that it was far easier for the community to deal with the homeless problem than to deal with the headaches of the Arena. THE NEEDS HOMELESS PEOPLE WANT IN THE COMMUNITY The homeless people in the Downtown Los Angeles Community have many needs: more shelters, services, programs and agencies. Ben (Personal Communication, November 1, 1997) states during an interview concerning the needs of homeless people in the community that ìÖ [sic] more services to help homeless people get back on their 6 feet.î According to the Congressional Quarterly Researcher (1996), ìPublic opinion polls taken in recent years have generally found high levels of support for programs to aid the homeless.î In conjunction with more of these facilities, the quality and reasons why theyíre being established should also remain to help homeless people find adequate services. The Congressional Quarterly Researcher (1996) looks at shelters and services stating, ìIf they weren't working, there would be even more homeless people on the streets.î Sometimes non-homeless people forget that homeless people are humans. Humans will go somewhere if they are treated properly. So apparently, the present facilities are doing their job so far. LOCATIONS OF SHELTERS AND SERVICES IN THE COMMUNITY The shelters and services for the homeless in the Downtown Los Angeles Community include the following. The Chicana Service Action Center is on 134 E. 1st St. in the Downtown Los Angeles. They cater to sheltering families and domestic violence problems. The Community Counseling Service is located at 2335 Portland St., they cater to sheltering adults who have mental illnesses. They help them get the proper medical help and counseling. El Rescate is on 1340 S. Bonnie Brae in Downtown Los Angeles. They cater to families who are in a need of shelter, and they also offer counseling and job training services. The Emmanuel Baptist Mission of Los Angeles is located on 530 East 5th St. This shelter targets single men and women with children who are in need. They offer job placement and job training programs. The Good Shepherd Shelter of Los Angeles is located at an undisclosed location, but clients can contact them 7 by a P.O. Box address. They cater to domestic violence situations for women with children or women with out children. The Dome Village is located at 847 Golden Avenue. They cater to sheltering homeless people who are in need of living in a temporary home. The L.A.M.P. is located on 627 San Julian St. They cater to adults with mental illness problems. The Los Angeles Mission is located on 303 E. 5th St. They cater to adults who have substance abuse problems, and they also offer shelter for anyone who is in the need of counseling and help. The Midnight Mission is located at 396 S. Los Angeles St. They mission offer shelter for adult men who are in the need of shelter or a place to stay for the night. They also offer counseling services. The Missionaries of Charity Brothers is located on 1316 South westlake Avenue. They cater to physically handicapped and undocumented men. The New Economics for Women is located on 3030 S. Loma Dr. They cater to pregnant women or teens who are in need of help, and they also offer classes for the women on how to care for their babies as well. The Transition House is located on 543 S. Crocker St. They cater to sheltering adults who are in need of help, and legal assistance services are also available. The Golden West Hotel is located on 417 E. 5th St. in Downtown Los Angeles. They cater to sheltering mentally ill adults who are in need of help. The Marshal House is located on 523 S. San Julian in the Downtown Los Angeles area. They cater to substance abuse adults who are in need of help. The St. Vincent's Cardinal Manning Center is located on 231 Winston St. They cater to sheltering adults who are in need of help, and job training services are also available. The Harbor Light shelter is located at 809 E. 5th St. They shelter and counsel adult 8 men with substance abuse problems. The Safe Harbor is located at 721 E. 5th St in the Downtown Los Angeles area. They cater to women with substance abuse problems. The Bethel Haven is located at 545 S. San Pedro St. They cater to families who are in need of help, and they also offer housing services. The Weingart Center Association is located at 566 S. San Pedro St. in Downtown Los Angeles. They cater to adults and children who are in the need of shelter, job training, job placement and legal assistance. These agencies, program, shelters and services are always open for the homeless in the Downtown Los Angeles Community so that they can get the proper help in order to make a positive change in their lives. VI. DIFFERENT MEANINGS OF THE WORD HOMELESS What does the term homeless really mean, and does it even have a definite meaning? I interviewed a homeless man in the Downtown Los Angeles Community who stated what the word homeless means to him. He said, ìItís despairing. For one, you don't have a real or permanent place to live at. Everywhere you live or stay is not permanentî (Ben, Personal Communication, November 1,1997). As for what other experts may think about what homelessness means to them, the Congressional Quarterly Researcher (1996) states, ìÖsociety views homelessness as a single problem: being without a home.îJencks (1994) states what some sociologists think the word homeless means: ìAmerican sociologists used to describe men or women who live in the skid row hotels as being homeless.î The reason why they considered the men homeless, Jencks (1994) states: ìÖ these people lived alone and seldom saw their kin.î If this definition is used a lot of people, not only in the Downtown Los Angeles Community, are homeless. A lot of 9 people across America are homeless as well. There are a lot of people who donít consider themselves homeless, but they don't see their kin or children. People who are homeless in the community may in fact see family members a lot more than people who have a permanent place to live. So what shall we call the people who live on the street? We now know that the word homeless is a combination of a lot to social problems, and one definition with a narrow meaning canít cover the meaning of the word. The definition of the word homeless would have to include every reason how people become homeless in order for it to be a complete definition. STAGES A HOMELESS PERSON MAY GO THROUGH What do homeless people go through when they become homeless? According to Donald M. Bogue (1963), ìIn many cases homeless men are neglected persons: No one wants them.î They feel very lonesome because no one wants to have anything to do with them. A transformation occurs from being lonesome ìThey go where they canít be easily found, or where they can be anonymous and no one will ask questions or quiz them about their past successes or failuresî (Bogue, 1963, 58). This type of reaction can lead the homeless into a state of depression in which can lead to alcoholism. Bogue (1963) explains why they may fall into alcoholism: ìSometimes this is accompanied by a conscious or unconscious program of self-punishment: by becoming homeless the alcoholic sentences himself to a justly deserved punishment.î This is definitely a dangerous act of escaping from reality and going to another environment just to avoid problems. Bogue (1963) states how some homeless people run away from their problems: ìThis only causes the merry-go-round of alcoholism to go faster: the more he drinks, the 10 more problems he creates that make him drink harder, which creates more problems.î Instead of facing problems or issues, they're simply running away. According to Bogue (1963), ìDrinking to forget and to escape the real world is said to be a major reason for some people being homeless.î This is just a little bit of information about the many psychological states homeless people may go through when they make their transition into the homeless world. VIII. REASONS WHY PEOPLE ARE HOMELESS What are the many reasons people become homeless? One reason why some people become homeless is because of the loss of a job. According to Bogue (1963), ìSome people become homeless because of unemployment.î The unemployed individual has no way of properly taking care of them selves, and that's how he or she may become homeless. A second reason why some become homeless is due to family membersí or friendsí asking them to leave because they are not contributing to the household bills. In the book Homelessness in America (1996), following is a high risk for becoming homeless : ìA family or single person whose previous housing was lost recently, is staying with relatives or friends, is not contributing to the rent, until other housing can be found is a way a person or persons may in fact become homeless.î A third reason why a person may become homeless is due to having a heavy alcohol problem. According to Jencks (1994), ìAlcoholism has been a significant cause of homelessness for generations.î Alcohol is definitely one of the biggest problems for a lot of homeless people. A fourth reason why people become homeless is heavy drug use. According to Jencks (1994), ìHeavy drug use makes marginally employable adults even less 11 employable, eats up money that would otherwise be available to pay rent and it leads to homelessnessî. A fifth reason why some people become homeless is mental illness. Homelessness in America (1996) states that ìÖsurvey researchers have consistently documented high rates of homeless people have severe mental illnesses.î The reason why they are on the streets, according to Jencks (1994), ìThe patients have been released from mental hospitals or wards all over the U.S. and they are just sweeped on the streets and they become homeless instantly.î The sixth reason why people become homeless is domestic violence in the household. Homelessness in America (1996) states that ìDistinctive causes of homelessness is due to domestic violence in the household.î Some homeless people are running away from problems by becoming homeless. A seventh reason why people become homeless is due to previous military experiences according to Homelessness in America (1996) ìhomelessness among veterans is related to military experienceî. Due to there experiences they also make up a high margin of the homeless population Homelessness in America (1996) state, ìÖthat male veterans were 1.4 times more likely than non-veteran men to be homeless.î Is fighting for our country really worth having a high risk of becoming homeless after war? The eighth and final reason why some people become homeless is due to past jail sentences. Homelessness in America (1996) explains ìÖsome studies have found an especially significant link between past prison time and future homelessness.î Jails may be teaching inmates into thinking that they shouldn't be productive in society but should remain bad and live an unproductive lifestyle. 12 In a study conducted for this project in the Downtown Los Angeles Community, one hundred homeless people were asked what were the different reasons they became homeless. Fifty-five homeless people out of one hundred said it was due to unemployment, and twenty-three stated they became homeless from a family member or friend who asked them to leave their home. Seventy-two homeless people out of one hundred said they became homeless due to the association of heavy alcohol use, and fifteen people said they became homeless due to due to heavy drug use. Forty-two out of the hundred said they have some type of mental illness. Nine out of the one hundred said the reason why they became homeless due to a violent domestic relationship, and thirty-three out of one hundred said they became homeless due to their experiences in a war and that they were veterans. Finally only two became homeless due to past prison sentences. (Appendix) IX. ATTITUDES TOWARDS HOMELESS PEOPLE Ben (Personal Communication, November 1, 1997) was asked about the negative attitudes about homeless people individually. And he states ìNegative impression on homeless people are like we are lazy and or we don't do anything at allî. On the other hand Howard M. Bahr (1973) states about attitudes towards homeless people state ìÖwe shall consider in detail four perspectives, each relevant to the general topic of public attitudes about homeless men: 1.The essentially negative views of the experts who work among and treat homeless people; 2.The more negative definitions in published statements by newspaper reports and other professional writers and in community leadersí and institutional workersí responses to specific questions about homeless men 13 and about ìlosersî (people defeating themselves and failing); 3.The themes apparent in magazine and newspaper cartoons; and 4.The public image of alcoholism as revealed in national and local surveys and in the pronouncements of advocates of the ëdisease conceptí î. This type of attitude about homeless people can lead to what Homelessness in America (1996) states as problems for the homeless: ìÖthe attitudes of Americans influence public policies affecting homeless people. Öpublic support must make it politically feasible and morally legitimateî. The attitudes society holds against homeless people individually will not help people realize that homeless people are human beings. This type of attitudes will not help conditions for homeless people in the Downtown Los Angeles Community if the situation continues. X. STEREOTYPES ABOUT HOMELESS PEOPLE Bahr (1973) states about stereotypes that have been placed on all homeless as a group ìThey are stereotyped as alcohol derelicts, urban nomads, the lostî. With this stereotype being well saturated in a lot of peopleís minds it gives all homeless a bad label. Powerlessness is a heavy contributor to why the homeless are easily targeted for such stereotypes as well. According to Bahr (1973) ìÖ.powerlessness are elements of poverty, isolation and impermanenceî. This is effecting the whole group of homeless people because they are powerless and vulnerable, and they can be easily labeled and stereotyped by society. Due to the fact that they have no power to protect themselves against the negative labels there is really very little they can do about it. Bahr (1973) ends his discussion about stereotypes of homeless people by stating ìMy own assessment of those attitudes, inferred from the treatment accorded and the mildness of public response 14 to ëthe screams of the unwashedí is that they consist of about five parts indifference, one part hostility, one part annoyance, and one part amalgam of revulsion and morbid curiosityî. Stereotypes against the entire group of homeless donít help very much with trying to figure out how they can be helped. In the community stereotypes are what lead to the panhandling law that was just recently passed. People were given the perception thought that all homeless did nothing all day but beg and harass people. Maybe someday society will for once look at homeless people as being human beings. XI. IS SOCIETY STILL SYMPATHIC TOWARDS HOMELESS PEOPLE? Is society becoming less sympathetic about the homeless problem in the community? It looks as though people are not less sympathetic about homeless people by the growing number of shelters, services and agencies in the community. According to Hamill who states in the Congressional Quarterly Researcher (1996) about why he thinks society is less sympathetic about homeless people ìÖpeople donít want to hear much about her homeless anymoreÖThey donít want to read interviews with men who live in cardboard boxes. They donít want to hear about Vietnam from men who were 15 the year the war ended or who donít know where I Corps was. They donít want to hear anymore prison-yard raps. They donít want to listen to any more sad songsî. People who are advocates for homeless people are particularly blamed for the way homelessness is being presented Sister Connie ìÖ blames the trend on homeless advocates, who she feels go too far in accentuating the negativeî (Congressional Quarterly Researcher, 1996, 79). A reason why so many people are becoming less compassionate is due to negative images, and its affecting the way even contributors think before they donate money for 15 homeless programs as well. The viewpoints that are being projected from the officials who represent the foundation are saying, ìWe've been pumping millions of dollars into this over the last ten to twelve years, and now you're telling us our money hasn't done any good? You can't blame them for thinking (If our money isnít helping to solve the problem, why should we continue supporting these programs)î (Congressional Quarterly Researcher, 1996, 79). This could mean big problems for all of the homeless programs that depend on the foundation's annual contributions. Other people try to simplify the trend of peopleís perception about the homeless problem. Steinbruck state in the Congressional Quarterly Researcher (1996) ìBasically, people are decent, ëhe says,í but we have become somewhat numbed in the 1990s. I believe thereís something in out culture which makes us think that if a problem canít be solved in 10 years, then we should declare it to be illegalî. In an interview with Ben (Personal Communication, November 1, 1997) about whether or not society is caring less about homelessness, he states, ìPeople still care about us the same way they have in the last five years agoî. Here is at least one actual observation by a homeless person who thinks that in fact homelessness is still being looked upon by society in a sympathetic manner. There are also people who are opposed to the idea that Americans are not in fact losing sympathy for homeless people. A man by the name of Wimberly state in the Congressional Quarterly Researcher (1996) ì ÖI see no evidence stating that Americas are losing sympathy for the homelessî. According to a survey for the Food Research and Action Center reported in the Congressional Quarterly Researcher (1996) that ìNinety five percent of those 16,000 households questioned rated the issue ìextremely 16 important,î ìvery importantî or ì important,î while only 5 percent of those 16,000 households said it was ìnot very importantî or ìnot at all importantî. There could be a serious misunderstanding in reference to the sympathy the Americas are losing for homeless people. Better yet there could be a group of people trying to persuade Americans that we are losing sympathy for the homeless problem when were not. According to Maria Foscarinis, executive director of the National Law Center writes in the Congressional Quarterly Researcher (1996)îAnti-homeless Nimbyism receives attention disproportionate to its actual support among the publicî. These people could very well be the cause of a lot of cutbacks of programs for homeless people in the Downtown Los Angeles Community and in other Communities as well. XII. SOLUTIONS TO THE HOMELESS PROBLEM There are solutions geared towards reinstituting mentally ill homeless people and affordable housing for the homeless in the Downtown Los Angeles Community. If so what could it mean to people in society? Charles Krauthammer, a writer for the magazine The New Republic, states in the Congressional Quarterly Researcher (1992) about the affect that mentally ill homeless people have on society,: ìYou are pained and offended by homelessnessî. With reinstitutionalization those individuals that have serious mentally illnesses can be better helped and be taken off the streets for good. The most sufficient approach to take in this issue according to Krauthammer, ìA sensible approach to the problem begins with the conviction that those helpless, homeless and sick are the responsibility of the stateî (Congressional Quarterly Researcher, 1992, 681). The approach by which the state can get the money to take care of the mentally ill 17 homeless people is by telling the public, ìWe propose to get the most wretched, confused and disruptive of the homeless off the streets and into clean and humane asylumsî (Congressional Quarterly Researcher, 1992, 681). Currently a lot of the mentally ill homeless people are not properly taking care of themselves. By the mentally ill homeless people being reinstitutionalization they can receive better care. Krauthammer states, ìIn the hospital or asylum they will at the very least get adequate clothing and shelterÖî (Congressional Quarterly Researcher, 1992, 681). This would help keep the mentally ill people off the streets in the community because they would be getting help. The idea of reinstitutionalization is a good idea for the many mentally ill people who are currently rooming the streets of Downtown Los Angeles with no type of direction. On the other side of this controversy is Michael J. Dear and Jennifer R. Wolchman wrote from their book Landscapes of Despair: From deinstitutionalization to homelessness in the Congressional Quarterly Researcher (1992) ìÖreinstitutionalized is a step backwards in our commitment to progressive service-support systemî. Putting the mentally ill homeless people in any reinstitutionalized program is considered nonbenefical because the present system according is working very successfully. What Dear and Wolchman fail to answer is. Are mentally ill homeless people taken care of better in a controlled environment like in an asylum? Do they fail to take adequate care of themselves out on the streets without any one reminding them to wash up or take there prescribed medication? Dear and Wolchman leave us with this statement concerning the present system of deinstitutionalized of the mental ill homeless people that is being presently used in the United States: ìThis includes a full range of transitional living 18 arrangements for the diverse service-dependent populations, as well as specific programs of care, social integration and employmentî(Congressional Quarterly Researcher, 1992, 681). This system is currently being used today, and I'm afraid to say that it is indeed failing and not doing what needs to be done for the betterment of our society and the mentally ill homeless people who live out on the streets. Another solution in preventing homelessness concerning people. Ben (Personal Communication, November 1, 1997) states on this topic of solutions during an interview that ìA solution to the homeless problem is for the Government to build more cheaper housing available [sic], so that we can stop being homelessî. One is having affordable housing available. In the Congressional Quarterly Researcher (1992) they state ìSome experts believe that if more affordable housing were available homelessness would be significantly curtailedî. The Government needs to really take responsibility and make more housing available for people in low-income households. Partial blame to why there is not enough affordable housing belongs to bad leadership. Congressional Quarterly Researcher (1992) explains, ìÖDuring the Reagan Administration shift from building new affordable housing to more reliance on the private market translated into a decline of about 1 million rental units during the decadeî. Technically, many of the existing homeless would not be homeless if it were not for the Reagan Administration. The General Accounting Office (GAO) also did a study during this same decade in the Congressional Quarterly Researcher (1992) states ìAt the same time the demand for 19 affordable rental units increased by about two million householdsî. There's not to much to be said about this unnecessary situation is that this could of all of been avoided if the leadership did what was right for all people in America whether they are homeless or not. CONCLUSION In conclusion, recommendations for future study not dealt with in depth throughout paper are the following. The first part is on two areas. One, some board members from shelters misuse funds given by private charities to help homeless people. Two is that some homeless people desire to remain homeless for the rest of their life lives because they want society to take care of them. The second part, a little different, is based on four interesting discoveries. One is the discovery is the stereotypes people have about homeless people and hold against them as a group. Two is the complexed meaning of the word homeless. Three is the reason people may become homeless due to their previous war experiences. Four is the attitude people have about homeless people individually. The third part, in five areas, one I did have some evidence about the increase of homeless mothers and their children. Two is that some people become homeless just to take advantage of the system. Three is homeless people can receive better medical help if they are HIV positive than were non-homeless. Four focuses on the process in which a homeless person has to go through in order to receive or apply for services. Five is about a solution to the homeless problem by having a job for every homeless person. 20 APPENDIX I conducted a survey on one hundred homeless people who where asked what were their reasons for becoming homeless. Number Reason Amount out of 100 1 Unemployment 55 2 Friends or Family asked them to leave. 23 3 Heavy alcohol use 72 4 Heavy drug use 15 5 Mental illness 42 6 Domestic Violence Relationship 9 7 Previous Military Experiences 33 8 Past prison terms 2 I conducted another survey and I asked one hundred homeless people in the Downtown Los Angeles Community what are the needs in the community to help them with their problem. Number Need Amount out of 100 1 More shelters 25 2 More services like: legal advice and etc.. 44 3 Affordable housing available 96 4 More help from the Government 24 21 I called a shelter that is geared towards helping the homeless people in the Downtown Los Angeles Community and the other services they offer for them as well. I spoke with Craig on September 13, 1997 at 11:00am. (Formatted to make complete sentences) Jatika: What is your name and do you work at a shelter in the Downtown Los Angeles Community.. Representative: My name is Craig and I do work at a shelter in the Community. Jatika: What does the word homeless mean. Craig: Homeless is basically in my opinion a person who is living on the streets for different reasons. Jatika: How many people do the faculty service everyday. Craig: We service approximately 500 people daily. Jatika: Is the need for more services in this community in great need. Craig: Yes this community needs more faculties like the Weingart Center to better serve all the homeless people in this community. Jatika: What types of services do you offer at the Center. Craig: We offer shelter up to 1year per client, legal advice, housing placement for people who need referrals to find a place to live at, medical services for the sick, job services, family counseling, workshops, lectures and presentations on varies topics. Jatika: What is the process a client would go threw to get services. Craig: 1. The client would fill out an application 2. They would go to an interview with the social worker and set up an appointment. 3. After the interview if they have space the client would be given a tour of the Center. 4. If there is no spaces the social worker would let them no after the interview. 5. If there is space the client would then be given a room and bed. Jatika: What does the client has to do if he or she wants a service like legal advice. Craig: They would be given and referral and a letter from their social worker for there needed service. 22 Jatika: During your time at the center have you seen previous clients change as a result from the center program. Craig: I have seen a lot change their lives around for the better and succeed in life for the better. I conducted an interview with a man named Ben on November 11, 1997 at around 2:00pm he is a homeless man who lives in the Downtown Los Angeles Community. (A few sentences were formatted into complete sentences). Jatika: What do your think about the panhandling laws. Ben: Laws are kind of weird I feel that people in California difficult to get a job. Jatika: What does homeless mean to you. Ben: Its disparity for one you donít have a real or permanent place to live at. Everywhere you live or stay is nor permanent. Jatika: What do you think about the Downtown Los Angeles Community. Ben: People in the Downtown Los Angeles Community are understanding towards the homeless. Understanding if you're going to school, job, etcÖ Jatika: How do you think attitudes towards homeless people in this community. Ben: Negative impressions on homeless people like we are lazy, and we donít do anything at all. Jatika: What does the community need for homeless people: Ben: It needs more services, shelters and agencies to help homeless people get back on their feet. Jatika: What are the problems in the community. Ben: Being judged or categorized for being homeless. Bad wrap or written off. Jatika: Whatís happening presently with homeless people in the community. Ben: We are becoming more self-sufficient in the community. Jatika: What do you think will happen to homeless people in the future. 23 Ben: The city Government become more drastic to homeless peoples our going to be going into jail. Jatika: How do you think people care about homeless people with less sympathy. Ben: I believe people still care about us the same way they have in the last five years ago. Jatika: What are some solutions to help homeless people get back on there feet. Ben: A solution to the homeless problem is for the Government to build more cheaper housing available, so that we can stop being homeless. Jatika: Is people in this community becoming less sympathetic about homeless people. Ben: People still care about us the same way they have in the last five years ago. Jatika: What stereotypes have you seen being placed on homeless people as a group. Ben: Like were all stereotyped as being thugs, trash to the earth and not human. Jatika: What is a solution to stop homelessness or to help prevent homelessness. Ben: A solution to the homeless problem is for the Government to build more cheaper housing available, so that we can stop being homeless. 24 WORK CITED Allen, J. Local Retail Market $1 Billion Yearly. (1987, December 7). Los Angeles Times, Page 1. Bahr, H.M. (1973). Skid Row: An introduction to disaffiliation. New York: Oxford University Press. Baumohl, J.(Ed.). (1996). Homelessness in America. Arizona: The Oryx Press. Ben. (Interview) (Personal Communication , November 1, 1997). Bogue, D.J. (1963). Skid Row in American Cities. New York: The Penguin Group. Dear, M.J., and J.R.Wolchman. (1988). Landscapes of Despair: From deinstitutionalization to homelessness. Congressional Quarterly Researchers. Washington D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Inc. Jencks, C. (1994). The Homeless. Massachusetts: Harvard University Press. Stencel, S.(Ed.).(1992). Congressional Quarterly Researchers. Washington D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Inc. Stencel, S.(Ed.). (1996). Congressional Quarterly Researchers. Washington D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Inc. Tugend, Alina. Downtown Dilemma: Build or Breathe? (1989, August 27). Los Angeles Times, Section A. BIBLIOGRAPHY Allen, J. Local Retail Market $1 Billion Yearly. (1987, December 7). Los Angeles Times, Page 1. 25 Bahr, H.M. (1973). Skid Row: An introduction to disaffiliation. New York: Oxford University Press. Baumohl, J.(Ed.). (1996). Homelessness in America. Arizona: The Oryx Press. Ben. (Interview) (Personal Communication , November 1, 1997). Bogue, D.J. (1963). Skid Row in American Cities. New York: The Penguin Group. Boyarsky, B. Wandering Among the Lost Souls. (1996, May 16). Los Angeles Times, Page 3. Chang, K. Legal Aid for those Facing the Trails of Life. (1995, December 6). Los Angeles Times, Page 2. Clifford, F. Downtown Los Angeles A shift in Power over the shape of things to come. (1986, January 21). Los Angeles Times, Part II Page 6. Craig. (Interview) (Personal Communication, September 17, 1997). Dear, M.J., and J.R. Wolchman. (1988). Landscapes of Despair: From deinstitutionalization to homeless. Congressional Quarterly Researchers. Washington D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Inc. Funderburg, R.G. (1987). California Homeless: Part of the nation's shame. New York: The Penguin Group. Goodman, M. Bulk of Downtown Los Angeles owned by Small Investors. (1976, May 25), Part I Page 15 Jencks, C. (1994). The Homeless. Massachusetts: Harvard University Press. Jones, T. L. Downtown Tour Opens Some Eyes. (1984, April 12). Los Angeles Times, Part VIII Page 25. 26 Kutais, B.G.(Ed.) (1994). Homelessness: A Guide to the Literature. New York: Nova Science. Lubas, K. For many home is a Parking Lot. (1984, December 27). Los Angeles Times, Part II Page 1. Martinez, A. Downtown: A Mosaic of Wealth and Hunger. (1975, July 29). Los Angeles Times, Part II Page 3. Mc Causlin, M.(1994). Update Homelessness. New York: Crestwood House. Miller, J. Agencies help homeless find a new life in the Workplace. (1995, March 13). Los Angeles Times, Part II Page18. Stencel, S.(Ed.).(1992). Congressional Quarterly Researchers. Washington D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Inc. Stencel, S.(Ed.). (1996). Congressional Quarterly Researchers. Washington D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Inc. Stern, L.N.(1996). The New Poverty. New York: Plenum Books. Tugend, Alina. Downtown Dilemma: Build or Breathe ? (1989, August 27). Los Angeles Times, Section A. Whitesn, L. Bright Beginnings at Covenant House. (1996, April 23). Los Angeles Times, E 6 Page 1. Wood, D.(1989). California Children California Families: Over the Brink: Homeless Families in Los Angeles. Assembly Office of Research. 27 THE HOMELESS PEOPLE IN THE DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY JATIKA WILLIAMS ENGLISH 103 ED O'CONNELL 12-10-97