Santa Monica is a small city located alongside the Pacific Ocean. As of 2015, the population of Santa Monica was 93,220 (U.S. Census, 2015). In many ways Santa Monica is an affluent community, which one observes through its residential neighborhoods, stores and restaurants. In fact, according to Forbes, Santa Monica ranks among the most expensive cities in the country (Schiffman, 2015). In 2015, the “median household income was $76,580” compared to $50,205 in Los Angeles (U.S. Census, 2015). Similarly, only 11.3% of the population of Santa Monica lives in poverty compared to 22.1% of the population of Los Angeles (U.S. Census, 2015). In examining the community’s ethnic backgrounds, the U.S. Census (2015) reports that Santa Monica’s residents
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If Santa Monica were a grid, the wealth would fall from North to South. The lower-income residential areas lie nearer to hospitals, schools and shuttered industrial plants. This is also where one observes more cultural diversity, as well as fast food and ethnic restaurants and smaller local markets. Certain social service agencies (such as WIC) are largely confined to these areas as well. According to findings from the Santa Monica Wellbeing Project (2015, p. 6), “… Latino residents tend to be concentrated in certain areas of the city, which also report higher levels of those factors that detract from wellbeing (crime, noise, poor housing quality).” The southern edge of town has historically been the most vulnerable, with the highest percentages of poverty and gang violence (D. Papel, personal communication, May 17, 2017). These areas have started to gentrify over the years, but large pockets of homes belonging to low-income individuals still remain in the …show more content…
According to the U.S. Census (2015), 15% of Santa Monica’s population is over 65, more than that of greater Los Angeles. Interestingly, the Santa Monica Wellbeing Project (2015, p. 2) found that “in Santa Monica it’s older residents who have the strongest community connections.” However, Santa Monica’s senior population is not the only group requiring consideration. Evidence of homelessness exists throughout Santa Monica. The city’s 2017 Homeless Count, “found 921 individuals, an increase from 728 (26%) in 2016” (Human Services Division, 2017). According to Elizabeth Anderson of the Human Services Division, “Santa Monica represents less than .2% of the County geography, but has 1.5% of the homeless population” (personal communication, April 27,
If Santa Monica were a grid, the wealth would fall from North to South. The lower-income residential areas lie nearer to hospitals, schools and shuttered industrial plants. This is also where one observes more cultural diversity, as well as fast food and ethnic restaurants and smaller local markets. Certain social service agencies (such as WIC) are largely confined to these areas as well. According to findings from the Santa Monica Wellbeing Project (2015, p. 6), “… Latino residents tend to be concentrated in certain areas of the city, which also report higher levels of those factors that detract from wellbeing (crime, noise, poor housing quality).” The southern edge of town has historically been the most vulnerable, with the highest percentages of poverty and gang violence (D. Papel, personal communication, May 17, 2017). These areas have started to gentrify over the years, but large pockets of homes belonging to low-income individuals still remain in the …show more content…
According to the U.S. Census (2015), 15% of Santa Monica’s population is over 65, more than that of greater Los Angeles. Interestingly, the Santa Monica Wellbeing Project (2015, p. 2) found that “in Santa Monica it’s older residents who have the strongest community connections.” However, Santa Monica’s senior population is not the only group requiring consideration. Evidence of homelessness exists throughout Santa Monica. The city’s 2017 Homeless Count, “found 921 individuals, an increase from 728 (26%) in 2016” (Human Services Division, 2017). According to Elizabeth Anderson of the Human Services Division, “Santa Monica represents less than .2% of the County geography, but has 1.5% of the homeless population” (personal communication, April 27,