People

Homelessness

People living unhoused in the city, and the housing, health, and outreach systems that respond.

Why it matters here

It affects the wellbeing of unhoused residents and the shared use of parks, sidewalks, and transit.

Where this matters

Pacific OceanSanta Monica PierSanta Monica BeachDowntown Santa MonicaThird Street PromenadeMain StreetMontana AvenueSanta Monica Airport AreaSanta Monica CollegePalisades ParkReed ParkMemorial ParkVirginia Avenue ParkAirport ParkCivic CenterOcean ParkPico NeighborhoodMid-CityNorth of MontanaWilshire / MontanaSunset ParkNortheast Santa MonicaDowntown ResidentialMajor CorridorsE Line Stations

Santa Monica Beach

Miles of wide public sand running the length of the city, with the beach path, volleyball courts, and open water.

What we love:
The Ocean & Beach · Sunsets · Outdoor Lifestyle
Key issues:
Beach & Ocean · Environment · Public Safety
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Downtown Santa Monica

The dense core between the freeway and the ocean — offices, apartments, hotels, shopping, and the E Line terminus.

What we love:
Walkability · Restaurants & Cafés · Local Businesses
Key issues:
Local Business & Economy · Housing · Public Safety
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Palisades Park

A narrow bluff-top park running along Ocean Avenue, with palms, walking paths, and the city's best ocean overlooks.

What we love:
Views · Sunsets · Trees & Landscape
Key issues:
Maintenance & Cleanliness · Public Safety · Homelessness
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Reed Park

A neighborhood park at Lincoln and Wilshire with tennis courts, playgrounds, and the Miles Playhouse.

What we love:
Parks & Green Space · Recreation & Sport · Community
Key issues:
Public Safety · Maintenance & Cleanliness · Homelessness
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Downtown Residential

The growing residential population living within the downtown core, above shops and beside transit.

What we love:
Walkability · Restaurants & Cafés · Public Spaces
Key issues:
Housing · Public Safety · Public Space
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What we value

  • Dignity of every person
  • Public spaces that stay public
  • Compassionate, effective response

Improving something shouldn't mean losing what people already love about it.

Challenges

  • Regional problem, local impact (community concern — not verified data)
  • Service capacity and follow-up care (community concern — not verified data)

Ideas & opportunities

  • Coordinated outreach
  • Housing-first pathways
  • Volunteer and mutual-aid networks

Related projects

No projects or initiatives have been linked to Homelessness yet.