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DOWN AND OUT

Compelling photos capture the despair of homelessness on LA’s notorious Skid Row as millionaires celebrate Christmas just round the corner

Photographer Suzanne Stein documents life on poverty stricken Californian strip during the festive period
 

LIFE can’t get any tougher on Los Angeles famous skid row, especially at Christmas.

In her stunning set of images, captures stark poverty in one of the richest places on Earth.

L sits on 5th Street between Los Angeles Street and Main Street...she's exhausted from pushing a large shopping cart full of her belongings
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L sits on 5th Street between Los Angeles Street and Main Street...she's exhausted from pushing a large shopping cart full of her belongingsCredit: Suzanne Stein
Next to her tree.....it's hidden away at night to prevent theft
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Next to her tree.....it's hidden away at night to prevent theftCredit: Suzanne Stein
She adjusts star at the top on one of the few visible Christmas trees on Skid Row
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 She adjusts star at the top on one of the few visible Christmas trees on Skid RowCredit: Suzanne Stein

While the rest of America and the Western world spends time with the family and over indulge with festive feasting, those at the bottom of the heap are grateful for hot soup.

Skid Row is a large patch in downtown Los Angeles where it is estimated to be 6,000 homeless people living at any given time.

Many end up after falling through the net of California's scant social welfare or through chronic alcoholism or drug addiction - particularly crack cocaine.

People stand in long lines that stretch for almost a block waiting for Christmas lunches to be served by volunteers
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People stand in long lines that stretch for almost a block waiting for Christmas lunches to be served by volunteersCredit: Suzanne Stein

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Christmas tree, Ceres Avenue, man sits on a cold morning
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Christmas tree, Ceres Avenue, man sits on a cold morningCredit: Suzanne Stein
San Julian Street .James dressed as Santa
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San Julian Street .James dressed as SantaCredit: Suzanne Stein
James also likes to show off his purple suit at 6th and San Pedro
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James also likes to show off his purple suit at 6th and San PedroCredit: Suzanne Stein
on Stanford street, waiting walk to her favorite places feed the many street cats in the area
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On Stanford street, waiting walk to her favourite places feed the many street cats in the areaCredit: Suzanne Stein
Two women arrive at 5th and San Pedro with homemade Mexican food to feed people in need
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 Two women arrive at 5th and San Pedro with homemade Mexican food to feed people in needCredit: Suzanne Stein
Enjoying some soup prepared by a church group and served on a Saturday afternoon on San Pedro Street
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Enjoying some soup prepared by a church group and served on a Saturday afternoon on San Pedro StreetCredit: Suzanne Stein
Enjoying some soup prepared by a church group and served on a Saturday afternoon on San Pedro Street
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Enjoying some soup prepared by a church group and served on a Saturday afternoon on San Pedro StreetCredit: Suzanne Stein
Baby the dog lies on Crocker Avenue in front of a blocks long line of children waiting to receive Christmas gifts from one of the missions in Skid Row
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Baby the dog lies on Crocker Avenue in front of a blocks long line of children waiting to receive Christmas gifts from one of the missions in Skid RowCredit: Suzanne Stein
5th and San Pedro, a very difficult and unpredictable place...family sells food to the people who pass through
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5th and San Pedro, a very difficult and unpredictable place...family sells food to the people who pass throughCredit: Suzanne Stein
Boy waits for his mother to gather donated clothes, Towne Avenue
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Boy waits for his mother to gather donated clothes, Towne AvenueCredit: Suzanne Stein
T gathers clothing donations from church groups at Christmas to bring them to a building for elderly, housebound people in Skid Row
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T gathers clothing donations from church groups at Christmas to bring them to a building for elderly, housebound people in Skid RowCredit: Suzanne Stein
Two women arrive at 5th and San Pedro with homemade Mexican food to feed people in need. Individuals who feel motivated will sometimes cook food or bring sandwiches to the neighborhood to distribute
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Two women arrive at 5th and San Pedro with homemade Mexican food to feed people in needCredit: Suzanne Stein
Men awaiting their turn to receive donations
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Men awaiting their turn to receive donationsCredit: Suzanne Stein
Flower seller on Los Angeles Street
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Flower seller on Los Angeles StreetCredit: Suzanne Stein

For more pictures from Suzanne Stein.


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