Your travel4seniors.com editor’s camera recently captured these tragic scenes in West Hollywood CA. If your travels take you to Southern California, you’re sure to be confronted with this increasing street problem.

In downtown Los Angeles, there are many lines of sidewalk tent encampments, as well as individual homeless sites. In nearby areas, including Hollywood Boulevard and beach communities of Venice and Santa Monica, the same situation exists. When you encounter homeless who beg or are costumed street performers, reconsider giving them money directly. Unfortunately, many have mental and addiction problems, and public sources of aiding them are much more effective.

If you want to help the homeless in Los Angeles and elsewhere, donate to charitable agencies. They include the Red Cross, Salvation Army, churches and local homeless shelters.