So many people come to L.A. carrying little else but big dreams. One misstep, one con, one stroke of bad luck can be all it takes to derail them.They arrived last spring in possession of a promise, $800, two backpacks and two duffel bags.
Bri Meilbeck, 24, and Loxk Calhoun, 20, relax at the end of the day on a couch at PodShare DTLA. The two now have shelter but became homeless soon after they arrived in L.A. from Detroit this spring.In Detroit, Loxk Calhoun , had been scraping by for two years on his own since his mother kicked him out at 18. He was thrilled when someone in the music business encouraged him to come to L.A. He describes himself as an audio engineer who also writes music and raps and performs.
They also didn’t know that the producer to whom they had given some money owed rent — until one night after dark they got the word that the landlord wanted them gone at once. They’d liked that little brush with fame, though there’d be no fairy-tale rescue for them. Now pushed out of the house, they went back to the Las Palmas and scaled the fence of the park next door. Trying not to be seen, they avoided the playground’s rubber mats and lay down on pavement under Bri’s faux fur coat. All that night, she kept her eyes open.
Applying for jobs was hard. They didn’t have an address and didn’t know where they’d be the next day. In coming days, they got General Relief money to tide them over until they found work. They used some of it for their own tent, placed next to the man and his dog. They also found the nonprofit Safe Place for Youth , where they could get guidance and take a shower and get fresh clothes and be fed.
Ahhhhhh the Hollywood dream
Bad choices make bad results. It’s not LAs fault.
LA is a tough, unforgiving, expensive city It’s especially tough if you’re trying to break into entertainment I wish these two the best
they made mistakes even before coming here. i hope they get help or at least find a way to get back home, but coming to one of the most expensive cities in the country w/ $800 & no viable income/plan was definitely not the smartest move.
We are full. Stop coming here 🤬
I’m tired of hearing this story.
Interesting article.
An age old story
What did they expect moving there with $800 for two people... and having dated for a month 😅
Solution: research and plan ahead of time and include an emergency cushion. I came here with 4K and at some point ended up in my car. Getting out of that situation took a miracle.
tonetalks Wow
Great Article 👍
francineorr They do not want to work. These are not the people who want to work. Work is hard work. Better bask in the sun and listen to rap
I’m not going to badmouth those two like so many have because I was in the same boat as those two when I moved to LA in December 2010 so I do have sympathy for them, but I also had a plan. If you move to LA without a plan, you’re going to be in a world of hurt imho.
Who comes to La with no plan B like really y’all are some stupid people.. if you move you ass to La plz make sure u have plan B. Enough money for you to live while you struggle to achieve ur dreams..
Or they could move back and the money for their help can go to help the Vet.. sorry, you don't get to pretend they are a part of the homeless crisis.
People come to L.A to be someone. But in reality. People have the internet right in front of them.
No matter how well this story is written, I still object to seeing my tax money going to this couple for General Relief. I will spring for 2 one-way tickets back to Michigan, though.
I'm planning to moveover to LA but no way under at least 10k
If the woman had brought her car here, they’d have more mobility for jobs and a place to sleep if necessary. Think!
I moved 6 years ago with about $4k extra but quickly ran into car trouble (I drove from TX) which depleted funds. Anything could happen; $800 is not enough. It’s not like the 90s when ppl moved here with “$50 in their pockets.”
So it's not about over priced housing it's about not having a plan or a skilled job that is in demand.
Was their Hollywood dream to be homeless? Their is plenty of that here. Great city to live outside.
They don’t make movies in Hollywood anymore.
This couple is going to come to LA without a place to stay, a job or a friend and complain about the fact that they are homeless and drag the city as though it’s LA’s fault. Homelessness is a serious issue in this area and these two and their really bad choices aren’t helping.
Two morons who consistently make terrible decisions. So now LA taxpayers and non-profits are the only way these two can survive? Talk about Darwinism.
LA ain't no joke if you dont got a job or some sort of income good luck better have like $10,000 to 20,000 saved up if you trying to make the jump
That is a massive bummer
tonetalks back in the day , the next destination would be the ho-ing and meth track on W.Hollywood Blvd.
Umm yeah, if you go to LA with no job and essentially no money you are going to be homeless, what did they think was going to happen
I’m planing in moving to la , but for sure I will not move unless i have 3k extra and a job secure. Even if it means flying back and forth for interviews or staying in hostels for a couple months. I got a glimpse of it last month and loved it!
tonetalks People are going to learn About Cali yet! Come to Georgia you may have a better chance they don’t watch the news they are messing over they citizens for immigrants
You don't become homeless in 2 weeks. That means you didn't plan your trip well or your move well. Here's a tip: go online and find out what cheaper monthly rentals cost, campground and sofa Surfering still cost $, find a temp agency make sure they're hiring. FIRST.
Kudos to the author for a well written article. As for the couple, best of luck. I’m surprised prior City life didn’t prepare them
Just say no
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