Neighbor Shares Story of Homeless Man at Hollywood Bus Stop Who Hesitates to Accept Help

Rising Homelessness at Hollywood Bus Stops Draws Concern

Hollywood has long grappled with homelessness, a situation further exacerbated as more unhoused individuals take up residence at bus stops, according to local community members. Keith Johnson, a resident of Larchmont Village, observed a notable increase in this trend over the past year, despite city officials highlighting a decrease in street homelessness across Los Angeles.

Mayor Karen Bass’ Inside Safe program has aimed to address homelessness by clearing encampments. However, Johnson asserts that many individuals displaced from tents have now relocated to bus stops in Hollywood.

"I’m seeing less tents. I think that was brought up with the latest homeless count, but (there are) rough campers like this fellow," Johnson remarked, referring to a man living at a bus station on the corner of Melrose Avenue and Vine Street. The man’s situation has raised alarms for Johnson, who often walks past the bus stops while running errands. He shared his concern about one homeless individual: "One night, he was on a foam mattress, and now he’s just laying in a pile of trash."

Johnson described another homeless presence occupying a bus bench on Vine Street. "He had been there for weeks, and (city council officials) said they were sending somebody right away. And the next time I went by, he actually died," Johnson recounted, noting the man passed away on Thanksgiving Day.

Frustration grows in the community as residents struggle to communicate their concerns to city officials. Johnson attempted to reach out to various organizations, including 211 and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), but encountered challenges. “I reached out to 211, and they referred me to LAHSA. That organization sent me to another website. In the end, I don’t know if anybody ever went out,” he explained.

Additionally, Johnson contacted the office of Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez, who represents District 13, which includes Hollywood. Yet, he reported a similar response: "We’ll send someone."

“It’s embarrassing, I think for the councilman and others to show what’s really going on in our streets and why more of us aren’t speaking up,” Johnson stated.

Inquiries made by NBC Los Angeles to the offices of Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Soto-Martinez went unanswered. As of Tuesday evening, the bus station at Melrose Avenue and Vine Street had been cleared of trash; however, the same homeless individual had merely moved a few feet away.