Every Step Counts: Moments from Skid Row Walk

FOR THE WALKERS: Students from Para Los Niños (For the Children) greeted the walk to congratulate them on their third anniversary.

LEADING OFF: Before the walk, Lopez welcomed Commander Andy Smith, the former captain of Central, who dropped in after hearing about the anniversary on the radio. Also attending was Councilman Bernard Parks and staff from Eric Garcetti's office.

WATCHFUL EYES: Orlando Ward of the Midnight Mission listens to the opening introductions and updates.

SIDEWALK SLEEP: The ongoing conditions of Skid Row are urgent, despite progress made in the last three years. The sights left an impact on those walking for the first time.

FRIENDLY WARNING: Neighborhood watch walkers take over the street. Noting that I was sitting down to take this shot, a friend recommended that I be careful. "Don't get a rash," they said.

ART ON THE ROW: CD9's Jan Perry and T.K. Nagano walk past one of many Skid Row murals. Perry has dedicated other public art projects in the area, while Nagano is a collaborator with "Chicken Boy," a local strip that offers commentary about Downtown,

CHURCH IS ALWAYS IN: Walkers stopped for a moment at a Wednesday evening prayer service. Someone attending the service had a personal Bible at the ready, in case they came across impromptu services like this and said "This book is my roof."

THE PURPOSE IS TO HELP: When someone appears to be ready to bed down in the streets, Lopez asks if they would prefer shelter for the night. Sometimes they do. Meanwhile, new walkers get puzzled when the group stops.

TWO CURIOUS MINDS: Perry checks in with a young student who left her group of classmates to listen in on a sidewalk inquiry. Elementary through High Schools sometimes join the walk and are monitored by organizers.

WAITING TO GET IN: The walk passed by a Latino woman, weary and waiting to enter a shelter. Her cart held her possessions, carefully packed to save space. Clean walking shoes are on top.

END OF ROUTE: The walk circles around Skid Row, blocks away from lofts in the Historic Core, Little Tokyo, and the Arts District. It gives people a chance to join for a good portion of the walk, even if they need to leave early. Every step counts.