Tent cities have become a necessity for some Los Angelenos (Sara Newman/Neon Tommy)

“Tent Cities are American’s de facto waiting room for affordable and accessible housing. The idea of someone living in a tent (or other encampment) in this country says little about the decisions made by those who dwell within and so much more about our nation’s inability to adequately respond to those in need," wrote Neil Donovan, the Exective Director of the national Coalition for the Homeless in his preface to a 2010 study on "Tent Cities in America."

An attempt by Los Angeles sanitation workers to dismantle a group of tent-homes near Olvera Street left over a dozen people looking for new lodgings on Tuesday night. 

Similar attempts to move tents off the streets are expected to be seen throughout the week in conjunction with $3.7-million Operation Healthy Streets initiative. 

Contact Deputy Editor Sara Newman here. Follow her on Twitter here.