Possibly worse than the same problem in San Francisco, Los Angeles street-living population figures are a staggering 59,000. The obstructed once-beautiful streets and parks make walking difficult, and at times dangerous to residents and visitors.

Over the last decade, the city’s homeless growth has been a steady 10% annually. The reasons, other than the traditional mental and addiction illnesses, include lack of job opportunities and grossly overpriced apartments and homes.

So, if your travels require you to walk through the homeless streets of downtown Los Angeles, be careful. Also, if you want to help the unfortunate people, instead of handouts, it’s best to donate to agencies set up for the job, including the Red Cross and Salvation Army.