ONTARIO - Nobody knows the exact population of Tent City, but the area has swelled beyond expectations.

The dusty, undeveloped city-owned parcel at Cucamonga Avenue and Jefferson Street is filled with tents, campers and makeshift shelters.



"It took on a life of its own," Mayor Paul Leon said. "It didn't occur to us it would grow to this size this fast, which reflects the need." The area, just west of L.A./Ontario International Airport, was created in July as a haven for the city's homeless. It has grown to include 300 to 400 people from throughout the region.



"It's growing and it's growing," said Carlos Villalobos, a Tent City resident the past four months. "And I haven't seen nobody leave." Villalobos said the encampment is popular because police, for the most part, leave people there alone. Police would typically harass homeless sleeping on the streets, he said. The city also provides water and bathrooms, and picks up trash. Churches regularly provide food, Villalobos said.



Ontario was lauded by some people for giving its homeless a place to stay, rather than chasing them out of town or ignoring them. But some Ontario residents are upset about the arrangement. "I understand something needs to be done for these people, but I don't think the answer is Tent City," said Antoinette Hernandez, a 30-year resident. "You're just asking for sickness, violence or other problems."