While nearly everyone is feeling the effects of the ongoing banking crisis and mortgage meltdown, the number of people who are considered to be living in poverty in Los Angeles County has risen alarmingly over the past year.
According to CBS News, the number of people visiting food pantries and receiving public assistance around Los Angeles grew dramatically, even as the budget for assisting people in need is shrinking. County Supervisor Zev Yaraslovsky published a statement this week indicating that poverty is increasing around the city "in a serious way."
Simultaneously, the recently passed state budget has $128 million fewer dollars flowing south from Sacramento to help the poor.
