FAQ
What is the history of Skid Row?
In Los Angeles, this 54-block area in downtown developed into a Skid Row in the late 1800's (the time URM was formed) because this location was the last stop on the train for the whole country. Hobos, aimless rail riders, transient workers, and people running away from past lives ended up here short-term and long-term. Daily rate hotels and various entertainments (mostly bars and brothels) catered to the culture of rail riders who were transient by nature.
As Los Angeles further developed and with growing industrial markets, particularly the flower and fashion districts adjacent to Skid Row, the need to improve the area arose; various groups consistently initiated efforts to improve the community. In 1975, a Redevelopment Plan was adopted, which included a “Policy of Containment,” concentrating social service agencies and people experiencing homelessness in this section of the city, where many of them naturally congregated. The goal of the policy was to stabilize and centralize the area, not to crowd the area with people experiencing homelessness, or fence them in, but to make services more accessible.
Since 1975, there has been development in Skid Row in terms of services for people experiencing homelessness, including two parks in the area, rehabilitated, non-profit owned SROs, and renovated/relocated service facilities. In addition to infrastructure redevelopment, service providers are recognizing a need to rehabilitate people rather than just providing meals and beds. Several shelters (including Union Rescue Mission) provide 24-hour services (rather than overnight only), rehabilitation programs, and a safe place for people during the day.
