Homeless play hide and seek at a local business building
DOWNTOWN There is someone lurking from behind the bushes.
In the middle of the tech companies, doctor’s offices and post-production houses on the border of the downtown area stands a curious two-story red brick building, surrounded by overgrown hedges — an inviting haven for the homeless.
Located at the northeast corner of Seventh Street and Arizona Avenue, the building has long been a popular hangout spot for Santa Monica’s homeless population, a place to congregate outside of the shelters, the Third Street Promenade and Palisades Park. The entryway is often occupied by a homeless person, taking a nap and blocking the graffiti-covered double glass doors. Hidden behind the nearly 9-foot tall bushes that line the building’s facade are sleeping bags, magazines, shoe boxes and other miscellaneous items — all signs of habitation.
A sign is affixed to the front door at 707 Arizona Ave., reading “sitting or lying in this entrance between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. is prohibited.”
Danielle Orange works at a therapist’s office in an adjacent building on Arizona Avenue and Lincoln Boulevard. Orange, who has been working on Arizona Avenue for four months, said she was first surprised to see homeless men lounging around in front of the building.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 15, 2007. Read the original PDF.