Sleeping in tents and in cars, welcome to the American Nightmare...

Santa Barbara boasts a classic laidback California lifestyle, with uncongested beaches, wholesome cafes and charming Spanish-style architecture. 

Of course there's a hefty price tag: nestled between the gentle Santa Ynez mountains and the inviting Pacific Ocean are multi-million dollar homes. 

But in this sun-washed haven of wealth, many live far from the American dream. 

In a car park across the street from luxury mansions, the evening brings a strange sight. 

A few cars arrive and take up spaces in different corners. In each car, a woman, perhaps a few pets, bags of possessions and bedding. 

Across the street from homes with bedrooms to spare, these are Santa Barbara's car sleepers. 

Homeless within the last year, they are a direct consequence of America's housing market collapse. More...

See also:

• Tents go up in U.S. cities as economy slumps...
• Homeless man, with a laptop, cell-phone and full-time job, lives in a tent...
• More than 100 homeless people live at Heathrow...
• Vagabonds in America...