Woody and his girlfriend were sleeping in the RV. Their dog woke them up barking because of the fire. They all ran out, but Woody went back in to get the money they had saved to pay for his girlfriend’s storage unit. Unfortunately, he never came back out. Woody’s untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of those living in RV encampments and the pressing need for society to address the root causes of homelessness.
Wendy has been on disability for ten years. She lost two grandchildren and her mom all around the same time. The emotional trauma created anger and pain. The income Wendy receives is not enough to pay rent, so she survives homelessness by living in an old RV on the side of the road in Playa Del Rey.
The growing crisis of homelessness has led to a concerning trend in recent years, with a rising number of individuals and families finding themselves with no choice but to live in RVs. As traditional housing becomes increasingly unattainable due to skyrocketing rents, stagnant wages, and limited social support, many people have turned to these mobile homes as a last resort. RVs, while offering some degree of shelter and privacy, are far from a long-term solution to the homelessness epidemic. Instead, they serve as a distressing reminder of the urgency required to address the root causes of this crisis. As we witness more people seeking refuge in RVs, it is vital that we come together as a society to provide affordable housing, mental health services, and other essential resources to alleviate the suffering of those struggling to maintain a stable home.
We all must advocate for more housing and support services and stop homeless sweeps at the local level. At the same time, we must continue to pressure state and federal legislators. Your voice can help end homelessness. If we do not fix the affordable housing crisis, homelessness will worsen.
Click here to tweet, email, call, or Facebook your federal and state legislators to tell them ending homelessness and creating more affordable housing is a priority to you.
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