City workers were close to sealing a manhole in South Los Angeles when they made a surprising discovery. A worker shouted, “Hey, there’s someone down there!” Moments later, a young man emerged from the storm drain, wheeling a pink polka-dot suitcase.
Residents like Denise Evans have known about the issues with people living in storm drains for years. She’s called 311 many times to report problems like trash, fires, and the presence of homeless individuals. “I don’t understand why it took so long for action to be taken,” she said.
Evans lives near where the city attempted to clean up. Despite the challenges, she’s felt unsafe in her neighborhood, especially with her young grandchildren. “I only let them play in the backyard,” she shared.
This week, the city finally did something about it. Mayor Karen Bass’s office claimed they mobilized a response to clean up the area and offer resources to those in need. Yet, community members like Juan Naula believe social media attention played a vital role in prompting the city’s actions. Naula, who runs a nonprofit cleaning the city, posted videos showing people entering the storm drains. His posts caught media attention, leading to the city’s response.
Luis Jimenez, the man who came out of the drain, told reporters he had been homeless for about a decade and stayed for a night or two to feel safer. The city reassured that they checked for others, but frustrations remain. Naula expressed anger over how people could live in such conditions. “Why do we allow this to happen? It’s heartbreaking,” he said.
Over the years, the area has changed drastically. Evans remembers when it was safe and comfortable. Residents like her and Cheryl Coleman have worked tirelessly to bring attention to the problems in the area, reporting incidents repeatedly.
Coleman highlighted her efforts, saying she pointed out the storm drain to police multiple times. “I’m thankful they’re finally addressing it,” she noted.
The ongoing issue of homelessness in Los Angeles is emblematic of a larger crisis affecting cities everywhere. Recent reports indicate that homelessness is on the rise across the country, with around 651,000 people experiencing homelessness in the U.S. as of January 2022, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Cities like Los Angeles are grappling with increasing numbers and fewer resources.
As social media continues to spotlight these challenges, experts stress the need for comprehensive solutions. Providing affordable housing, mental health support, and emergency services is vital in addressing these complex issues.
This situation in South Los Angeles is just one of many stories reflecting the urgent need for effective action against homelessness. The human aspect of these struggles cannot be overlooked. After all, every number represents a person with a story and a need for support.
