What is striking is the range of people here: whites, African-Americans, Hispanics, the old and young including some with babies. And they tell a variety of stories too.

Benson Vivier, a Vietnam veteran, said a leg operation allowed him to walk after years of being in a wheelchair. But as a consequence his disability benefits were cut, and he could not afford his rent

Others told tales of family disputes or houses burning down. Some were addicts, some fresh out of prison.

...

There are thousands like him across California - people whose inability to finance their mortgages has cost them their homes; many thousands more across the US.

But in Tent City, at least, he is in a minority - few are here as a direct result of the housing crash.