The housing crisis in Los Angeles - Between homelessness and luxury real estate | DW Documentary

Los Angeles' housing crisis is escalating dramatically. Those who can't find a place to live have to get creative — otherwise, survival becomes a daily struggle.

Even before the devastating fires of January 2025, affordable housing was in short supply in Los Angeles. Even people earning an average full-time salary are at risk of ending up on the streets. In 2024, the number of homeless people in Los Angeles County was well over 75,000. The chronic housing shortage is driving residents to get creative, while also giving rise to new business ideas: Gregory sells camper vans to working people who can't afford to rent an apartment. He came up with the idea after he himself had to live in a camper van for a while. Car mechanic Roy also lives in a mobile home. The 64-year-old has to supplement his modest pension by working at an auto repair shop.

Since 2012, Elvina, who immigrated to the US, has been renting out beds in large communal dorms for 55 dollars a night. It's a popular solution, and many long-term residents enjoy the social atmosphere. Elvina now operates seven of these facilities throughout California. Meanwhile Shelton, a real estate agent, is living a picture-perfect American dream. She sells luxury homes and lives with her husband and children in the upscale Brentwood neighborhood. It took more than just hard work to achieve her success: the 42-year-old also had to overcome her alcohol addiction. James has now made it off the streets after living for a time in the notorious Skid Row district in the heart of downtown L.A. He wants to give something back, so once a week he offers free haircuts to those who need them. This documentary looks at varying lifestyles and living conditions in a city where the gap between rich and poor is growing ever wider.

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