LA's homeless community's housing project receives mixed reactions from neighbors.

The homeless population in Los Angeles is on the rise, and they have found a way to make the best of a difficult situation. Along the busy highway, there is a makeshift community made up of tents and tarps, nestled alongside the Arroyo Seco and close to Highland Park. This sight may garner stares and mixed reactions from passersby, but for the residents who call it home, it is a safe space.

One of the residents, who goes by the name Cesar, has been living in his home for four years. He proudly shows off his front door and electricity, which he has worked hard to obtain. Cesar works part-time and says that living in this community is the best option for him since he cannot afford traditional housing. "For my work, I can't move to another place because the rent is too high," he explains.

According to the New York Post, the number of homes in this "dry river" area has increased as 46,000 Los Angeles residents experience homelessness. A nearby resident, speaking in Spanish, says that these homes do not bother them. However, not everyone shares the same sentiment. Mike Ancheta, a neighbor, admires the work done by the residents but believes that this is not the appropriate use of public property. He points out the dangers of living in this makeshift community, such as cooking over an open fire and stealing electricity.

Connie Flanders, who cares for a horse nearby, describes the situation as "scary." The residents of this area are calling for city leaders to take action and address the growing homeless crisis. In her State of the City address, Mayor Karen Bass urges "the most fortunate Angelenos" to join the city's new public-private partnership campaign, LA4LA, to acquire more affordable housing and lower the cost of living. "We must prevail on the humanity and generosity of the private sector," she says.

Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, who represents the area, is also working towards finding solutions for the homeless community. In a statement, Hernandez says that outreach teams are urgently seeking housing for the individuals living in this encampment and that the current situation is unacceptable. They are working towards both short-term and long-term solutions.

Los Angeles is not the only city where the homeless community is taking housing into their own hands. In Seattle, a man named Steve Irwin built a cabin in February 2024 after facing criminal charges for destroying a park with an excavator. He believes that there is nothing wrong with what he is doing and admits to using heavy machinery to clear trees. The homeless crisis is a nationwide issue that needs to be addressed with compassion and urgency.

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