Geographic and Regulatory Impacts on Vehicular Homelessness in Los Angeles
Brief
Christopher Giamarino | Madeline Brozen | Evelyn Blumenberg
June 2022
In Los Angeles, the percentage of unsheltered people living in vehicles is estimated to be almost 50% of the region’s homeless population. Over the past few years, those living in cars, vans, and RVs/campers has increased in line with the affordable housing crisis and rising unemployment and poverty rates.
While studies on homelessness are vast, little attention has been paid to the high percentage of unsheltered individuals living in cars, vans, and RVs. However, relative to the alternatives — sleeping in public spaces or reliance on temporary shelters — vehicles provide safe, stable, and secure shelter.
