"As foreclosures mount, the number of people living in cars is exploding, especially in California, Colorado and Florida, the worst affected states so far, followed by Illinois and Nevada. A clickable map of the worst affected areas, per capita, going down to city level detail can be found here.
James Thalman, a reporter for the Deseret News, says car living has been a phenomenon since the 1930’s, but has rocketed recently all over the country, especially over the past six months.

They can be found at all night shopping centers, library parking lots, and other parking areas. The all night shopping centers are a favorite because of the availability of the bathrooms, and food. Municipal areas are paroled by the police and those living in their autos are rousted and told to move on or risk being arrested."

(c) http://www.off-grid.net/2008/04/10/sleeping-in-cars/