"I don't notice the same level of problems in most other parts of the US" It's probably a combination of various factors : - The mild climate makes it much ea

"I don't notice the same level of problems in most other parts of the US" It's probably a combination of various factors : - The mild climate makes it much easier to face cold winters and hot summers for a homeless, as bad as their life is there it would be worse elsewhere. - The local administrations are probably more tolerant than the ones in other parts of the US. - The area is expensive (housing ridiculously so) by US standards, meaning that is way harder for people on minimum wage to save money, and losing their job can be a fatal blow. I think the problem is at national level, it's just more apparent here, given also the contrast with so many people that are well-off.