Untold Story of Homelessness: A Family’s Struggle in Los Angeles
A Struggle to Make Ends Meet
As she stuffed her clothes and papers into a suitcase and prepared to walk out the door of 5700 S. Hoover St. for the last time, Daviell McKinley had no idea where she would live.
A Life of Neglect
For years, McKinley had been complaining about the living conditions at the residential complex where she resided. She had written increasingly desperate messages to city officials, trying to get them to do something about the lack of hot water, broken fire alarms, electrical wires hanging from the ceiling, and pervasive mold, making it feel like the building was falling apart in front of her eyes.
A History of Failure to Act
For several years, inspectors had visited the complex and ordered fixes, but those fixes didn’t get done, and there were few consequences for the owners. Instead, the building got worse, while continuing to house dozens of vulnerable residents, including babies and children.
The Final Blow
In the summer, the city abruptly ordered the building vacated, and the owner told residents they needed to leave by August 19th. This left McKinley, like many of her neighbors, without a home lined up.
The Tour of Horrors
When McKinley moved into 5700 S. Hoover in the summer of 2021, she was unaware of the squalid conditions that awaited her. The first clues were the roaches, followed by the speckled walls with mold. Then, she encountered worms crawling out of the drain, and later, human feces in the hallway, which she cleaned herself.
A Life in the Shadows
After several months, McKinley asked her sister to take the kids to live with her in Lancaster, afraid that if social workers found them in those conditions, they would be taken away. McKinley stayed behind, hoping to save enough money to eventually afford a place where they could live together again.
The Tragic Outcome
In August, the owner told residents they had to leave by August 19th, and they were offered a two-week stay at a local motel, but many had no idea what they would do after that. The company handed out relocation checks, but the stipulations were strict: they had to sign a waiver releasing the company from legal claims and leave immediately.
A Life of Precarious Existence
Daviell McKinley and her fellow former residents of 5700 S. Hoover are left to pick up the pieces, many of whom have become homeless. The city has filed 11 misdemeanor charges against the new owners, but it may be too late, and many are forced to live in precarious situations with little hope of finding a better future.
Conclusion
The story of Daviell McKinley and her fellow former residents of 5700 S. Hoover is a stark reminder of the struggles faced by many in Los Angeles, where the pursuit of a safe and decent life can be a lifelong battle. The city must do more to address the issue of neglect and abuse in the building, and to provide support for those struggling to keep a roof over their heads.
FAQs
Q: What is the current situation with 5700 S. Hoover St.?
A: The building was recently vacated, and the new owners, 5700 Hoover Partners LLC, have been cited for multiple code violations, including electrical and wiring issues.
Q: What happened to the residents?
A: Many were forced to leave, and some have become homeless, while others continue to fight for better living conditions.
Q: What is being done to address the issue?
A: The city has filed 11 misdemeanor charges against the new owners, and the city’s Housing Department is working to provide support and relocation services to the former residents.
