Los Angeles is grappling with a severe homelessness crisis, with over 75,000 individuals living on the streets as of 2023. This staggering number makes L.A. the city with the highest homeless population in the United States, a situation that has evolved over decades due to a combination of public policy failures and economic shifts.

The roots of this crisis can be traced back to the late 1970s. Steve Richardson, a Skid Row leader known as General Dogon, recalls witnessing the early signs of homelessness while working at a toy store. He observed workers transforming empty boxes into makeshift shelters, which he referred to as "cardboard condos." This marked a significant change in the urban landscape of Los Angeles.

Historically, homelessness in L.A. was a temporary issue, seen during the Great Depression and post-World War II housing shortages. However, the late 1970s ushered in a new era where homelessness became a persistent problem. A Los Angeles Times examination highlights that the city’s policies, rather than natural disasters or economic downturns, have largely contributed to the current situation.

Bobby Shriver, former mayor of Santa Monica, emphasized that homelessness is a "human-created problem." He pointed out that while many cities have individuals facing poverty, addiction, or mental illness, none have as many people without homes as Los Angeles. The city’s history reveals a pattern of decisions that have exacerbated the housing crisis.

In the 1950s, L.A. halted public housing construction due to fears of socialism. This was compounded by the demolition of single-room occupancy hotels and low-income housing during urban renewal efforts. By the 1970s, a slow-growth movement restricted land use, reducing the city’s capacity to accommodate its growing population.

The closure of large mental institutions in California during this period, coupled with cuts to community-based mental healthcare, further contributed to the crisis. The 1978 passage of Proposition 13 limited property taxes, reducing funding for social services, including those aimed at addressing homelessness.

Housing prices in Los Angeles have skyrocketed, with the average home cost rising from $25,000 in the early 1970s to over $1 million today. Rents have also surged, with the median rent now at $2,800, compared to just $107 in 1970. These economic pressures have made it increasingly difficult for working-class individuals to secure affordable housing.

As the crisis deepened, federal policies under President Ronald Reagan slashed social services and housing funds, further exacerbating the situation. By 1984, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development reported that L.A. had the largest homeless population in the country, a title it has retained ever since.

The historical context of homelessness in Los Angeles reveals a complex interplay of economic, social, and political factors. As the city continues to confront this ongoing crisis, the need for comprehensive solutions becomes increasingly urgent.