A homeless individual has made a bus stop in Hollywood his temporary home, which has led to passengers seeking alternative waiting spots.
Neighbors are growing concerned due to his ongoing rejection of help. There’s a sentiment that the bus stop is gradually becoming more populated with those lacking stable housing.
Keith Johnson, a local, has monitored a man named David who resides at the intersection of Melrose Avenue and Vine Street. Johnson, who has lived in Larchmont Village for 40 years, often checks on bus stops during his errands to see if anyone needs assistance.
“The number of tents has decreased, and that may be linked to the latest homelessness figures, but also because of more abrasive individuals like this man,” Johnson stated.
He noticed that David, who was once using a foam mattress, is now lying amid litter. Until Thanksgiving last year, another homeless person had been using a bench at the Vine Street stop.
“He had been there for weeks, and when I followed up, I found out he had passed away,” Johnson recalled.
Over the past year, Johnson has seen an increase in unhoused individuals at bus stops. Reporting these circumstances over the phone has proven challenging.
Johnson reached out to various city officials, hoping for action. However, he consistently received the same response: “We’ll send someone.” He expressed frustration about the lack of accountability from local leaders.
On Tuesday, the City of Los Angeles issued a statement clarifying that health services fall under the county’s jurisdiction, with a request for mental health support. By the end of the day, the mess at the Melrose and Vine stop was cleared, but David was reportedly moved just a few feet away to the sidewalk. A follow-up visit the next morning showed that both the trash and David had been removed.
