Putting Another Face on Homelessness

October 1, 2002

Dear Editor,

I just read Frank Gruber's column (WHAT I SAY: "The Epidemic," Sept. 30), and I wanted to say thank you for the insightful observations regarding homelessness in Santa Monica.

I agree (and have agreed for years!) with the idea that many of people participating in the feeding programs are not really thinking of the best interests of those they claim to serve. But bravo for actually voicing it.

Second, I am also saddened and taken aback by the Chamber's newfound decision to address homelessness in what I consider an inappropriate way.

I was further saddened by the lack of Chamber leadership in attendance at the always-wonderful and inspiring Celebrating Success Breakfast last Friday. I have been involved in homeless issues long enough to have overcome any Pollyanna-type view I may have had, yet this breakfast not only inspires all of us who have worked in this arena, but is a marvelous opportunity for those who only see the problems to also see the solutions. I can think of several people I did not see Friday who most certainly should have been there.

I'd like to join you in my applause for John Maceri of OPCC, as well as all the other service providers in this great city. Although I recently relocated my business to Westchester and am no longer a Chamber member, a part of my heart remains in Santa Monica and I'm grateful to be able to stay in touch through surfsantamonica.com.

Sincerely,

Karen Bauer
(Editor's note: Karen Bauer is a former president of the chamber)

October 1, 2002

Dear Editor,

I thought Frank Gruber's column on "the epidemic" did a good job of pointing out the hypocrisy of the various interests in the homeless debate. However, Frank missed a critical related issue.

Even if the City could afford to provide shelter for every homeless person, the majority could not be moved on to productive lives because they have major alcohol, drug and mental illness problems. Under the current civil rights law, it is illegal for any government entity to step in and require that non-functional individuals receive treatment for their alcohol, drug and mental illness problems.

Instead it is deemed preferable for these individuals to sleep, and in many cases eat, out of the garbage. It is about time someone points at that this civil rights law is stupid. One would not let a person bleed to death on the street because they lacked the physical ability to ask for help. One should not let a person die from exposure and hygiene related illness because the lack they mental ability to ask for help.

If alcohol, drug and mental illness problems can be treated, they should be treated so the inflicted individual can move back into society. If those problems cannot be treated, the non-functional individual should be moved into a government facility where they can live with dignity.

Jeff Segal
Santa Monica

October 1, 2002

Dear Editor,

Thanks for attending this year's "Celebrating Success" event sponsored by the Westside Shelter and Hunger Coalition. We appreciate your interest in the event and the story by Oliver Lukacs ("Training the Spotlight on Success," Sept. 30) and column by Frank Gruber that appeared in The Lookout.

Many in the community never have (take) the opportunity to put faces and stories to those who are homeless in our community. Listening and learning from those who have been on the streets and who have accessed services from our social services community is a blessing.

There is another face to homelessness and we are glad that you helped deliver this message.

Sincerely,

Donna J. Gentry