Homeless population drops

Defying expectations in a tough economy, Los Angeles' homeless population shrank in 2011, although the number of military veterans living on the streets soared. Christina Villacorte in the Daily News

In a report issued Tuesday, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority said the county has 51,340 homeless people - some in emergency shelters, but most living in abandoned buildings, cars, parks and on sidewalks.

The number represents a 3 percent drop in the 52,931 homeless residents counted in 2009, the last time the study was conducted.