South L.A. Businesses and Residents Report Escalating Frustration Over Persistent Homelessness
LOS ANGELES – Merchants and residents in South Los Angeles are voicing increasing frustration as a growing homeless encampment along florence Avenue contributes to safety concerns,sanitation issues,and economic hardship.Despite scheduled street cleanings and promises of coordinated city responses, many say conditions have deteriorated, leaving them feeling neglected and unsafe.
The situation on Florence Avenue reflects a broader challenge facing Los Angeles as it grapples with a persistent homelessness crisis.While city officials pledge support and cleanup efforts, residents and business owners report inconsistent services and a sense of abandonment, particularly as the encampment expands and impacts daily life. The area, once a bustling commercial corridor, is now struggling with declining business and escalating safety risks, according to those affected.
According to city street signs, residential streets are scheduled for cleaning on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. However, resident Cindy, who declined to give her last name, says trash pick-up is not consistent. She and her husband routinely power wash the sidewalk in front of their home and dispose of collected trash in their business’ dumpster, but ultimately felt compelled to stop. “I told my husband no more, this isn’t our job,” she said.
The Bureau of Street Services did not respond to a request for comment as of Friday.
Councilwoman Heather Price‘s office stated they are “maintaining coordination with service providers and city departments to ensure follow-up cleanups and pursue long-term solutions that promote stability, safety and dignity for everyone involved,” with additional coordinated operations planned for early December, according to spokesperson Angelina Valencia-Dumarot.
However, some business owners feel these efforts are insufficient. One business owner, fearing retaliation, declined to be named but reported being assaulted at gunpoint, only to be told by police there was no recourse because a shot wasn’t fired. “We are being neglected,” they said. “Our business has gone down, not only because of what’s happening with immigration, but because of the homeless issue that has been going on for years. The best I can do is not get involved.”
rueben Acosta, 45, who is currently homeless and residing in a motorhome along Florence Avenue, was observed washing down the street in front of his vehicle. The situation highlights the complex challenges facing both those experiencing homelessness and the communities impacted by the crisis.
