For those who have no luck, and even a little for those who intentionally made bad decisions in their lives, I feel bad for all the homeless in the country. How they got there would take millions of books. But methods to get out of those ruts don't even begin to cover a page - because no one seems to know what to do with these people.
There's action being taken in California, but the jury's out on what it will do to help. There's now a daytime sidewalk sleeping ban in effect along the infamous "Skid Row" in Los Angeles.
According to the article, whose link is at the bottom, area police believe now is the time to help rid the decades-old problem with fifty new beat officers bent on cleaning up the sidewalks & streets of the area. The area has seen some of the nation's worst drug trafficking in history, not to mention prostitution and other activities of grave concern. Such an effort should be applauded, standing on its own.
However, the old saying "one rotten apple spoiling the bunch" comes to mind. Many people are out there due to being poor or having mental illness. In other words, it may not necessarily be their fault they're out there. They can be a misunderstood group to society as a whole; with the indecisions not limited to what to do with them.
And indecision has played such a huge role. Detroit's slum areas, while not as big or infamous, still crowd with people desperate for a better day, or even just shelter from the elements. It came into the forefront during the recent Super Bowl. Yes, they wanted the homeless out of the way for the network cameras (such a cheesy reason), and yes, they were actually going to warm shelters. But would they stay there? The minute the cameras were packed away, these people were being sent away. What about a long-term solution?
The downtown vacancy rate is astounding in Detroit. Before former building "jewels" are torn down, they spend years in forlorn condition while bureaucrats battle it out. There should be no shame in at least having a building donated to help those in need. Not all people manage to succeed in life with a budget the size of Rockefeller's, or even the Jones'.
The A.C.L.U. has won small victories in this battle against the innocent, citing a violation to the Eighth Ammendment (cruel & unusual punishment). But still the debate rages on. If they are looking to rid the area of the criminal element, are they making sure to catch these people and send them to jail, or are they just being shoved out of sight for that day only, along with those smart enough not to engage illegally? What would that solve?
Yes, cities need to be safe from the elements. But so do those who do no harm otherwise.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061026/NEWS07/610260455/1009
