Homeless People in Los Angeles

“Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.” – Theodore Roosevelt

I ran into Shila today with her cat, “Johnny Cash” and her dog, “Buddy”.

Shila is a homeless woman in Los Angeles and has been for 17 years. She takes great care of her animals and her animals are her guides during their journey in this lifetime together.

Shila and her pets live in a van not far from me and I am able to easily find Shila and her furry family to see if she is in need of anything.

Shila is a sweet and strong woman that prefers living in her van. She has found her sense of self on the streets of Los Angeles, California.

Yes, Shila is homeless BUT doesn’t have a drug or alcohol problem. Shila just feels more at ease living in a sort of survival mode. And, if this is ok with her, this is ok with me.

There are many homeless people. Some are mentally ill and many are not. Some feel comfortable on the streets and have formed a sense of community in their “tribes”.

Still, there are many “homeless” people that are trying to get back on their feet rebounding from the loss of a job or family.

There are always people that could use a helping hand. Many are just feet away from you.

Shila is important to me. I cherish her life here and am honored to have met her, Johnny Cash and Buddy!