UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies

In Los Angeles, the percentage of unsheltered people living in vehicles is estimated to be almost 50% of the region’s homeless population. Over the past few years, those living in cars, vans, and RVs/campers has increased in line with the affordable housing crisis and rising unemployment and poverty rates. While studies on homelessness are vast, little attention has been paid to the high percentage of unsheltered individuals living in cars, vans, and RVs. However, relative to the alternatives — sleeping in public spaces or reliance on temporary shelters — vehicles provide safe, stable, and secure shelter. Vehicular dwelling enables individuals to avoid street violence, policing, and criminalization; it provides freedom against strict rules and curfews of the shelter system.. During the pandemic, living in a car has provided social distancing to reduce the likelihood of contracting and spreading the virus. Finally, operational vehicles can support people’s access to jobs, schools, and services.