Watch This | Hidden human cost of Los Angeles

By Chuan Lung

Los Angeles, a city full of dreams and opportunities, is also where over 75,000 people have lost shelter. The ever-rising housing costs act like an invisible wall, keeping them out in the cold and leaving their living conditions dire.

A weighty-of-evidence report reveals a heartbreaking history. According to The Guardian, between 2014 and 2023, 11,500 homeless people passed away in Los Angeles over ten years. This number, like a wake-up call, resonates deeply within us. Especially for those elderly individuals in their twilight years, their final days should not be spent in the loneliness and helplessness of the streets.

These are not just cold statistics but a silent indictment of the lack of medical care. Their lives, cut short due to insufficient attention, lay bare the glaring gaps in their healthcare system.

Moreover, the tragedy of accidental deaths continues to unfold in this land. 1,355 people, a heart-wrenching number, died from drug overdoses and traffic accidents. These accidents, like sharp blades, pierce the conscience of society. With adequate care and intervention, these tragedies could have been avoided.

In addition to these, emotional and mental despair led to 74 lives being ended by homicide, and 44 chose to end their pain through suicide. Behind these numbers lies the deep despair and helplessness of people experiencing homelessness. Their lives are overshadowed by fear and suffering.

In January 2023, Los Angeles declared a state of emergency, trying to find a way out of this humanitarian crisis. However, the proportion of homeless people remains high, and their living conditions are still dire. This is not just a crisis for one city; it’s a call to all of us.

We cannot allow this issue to worsen. We need deeper solutions and more humanitarian care. Let us join hands to bring hope to those struggling to survive on the streets of Los Angeles, lighting a ray of hope in their lives.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.

The author is from the Sichuan Agricultural University.

Related News: