I Spent a Day in LA’s Most Dangerous Hood

This district in a major city is notorious for its high concentration of homelessness, substance abuse, and economic hardship, covering approximately 50 blocks. Originally coined from an era when logs were dragged down streets, the term now describes areas plagued by poverty.

Here, thousands find themselves without a home, making it a stark representation of urban destitution in the U.S. Despite various initiatives aimed at providing housing, shelters, and support services, the area continues to struggle with persistent problems like addiction, mental health issues, and crime, highlighting the complexities of tackling homelessness in large urban centers.

What is Skid row?

Skid Row, located in Downtown Los Angeles, is an area known for its significant concentration of homeless individuals, substance abuse, and poverty, spanning about 50 city blocks. Initially, the term “skid row” referred to an area where logs were “skidded” down roads by logging workers, but over time, it became synonymous with impoverished urban districts.

Today, Skid Row is home to thousands of unhoused people, with estimates around 4,400 or more, reflecting one of the largest stable populations of homeless individuals in the U.S. Efforts to address the situation include housing projects, shelters, and social services, yet challenges persist with issues like drug addiction, mental health, and crime, making it a focal point for discussions on urban poverty and homelessness solutions.

Tent City, California

One of the most well-known and documented tent cities is in Los Angeles, particularly in the Skid Row area and around Venice Beach. Skid Row in Downtown Los Angeles has been a focal point for homelessness for decades, with numerous tents lining the streets amidst efforts to provide housing and services. Venice Beach has also seen significant tent encampments, especially highlighted during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic when social distancing measures led to an increase in people living in tents in public spaces.

Other tent cities in California include:

• San Francisco: Areas like the Tenderloin and SoMa (South of Market) have seen tent encampments, with notable sites around City Hall and other public spaces.
• San Diego: There are reports of tent cities in various parts of the city, including downtown areas near Balboa Park.
• Sacramento: The “American River encampment” and “Safe Ground” are among the tent city locations in Sacramento, where the homeless population has been significant.
• Santa Rosa: After natural disasters and economic downturns, tent cities have appeared in parks and other public areas.
• Oakland: Encampments have been prevalent near major thoroughfares and parks.