Dear Arthur and friends,
I do think that the new shelters on Montgomery Street and West Avenue is only part of the answer on the part of curing homelessness in the city. Problems and solutions of homelessness seem intertwining.
First of all, most city homeless I know are mentally ill. How does one make sure the homeless get their medication daily and get off drugs and alcohol? Do some homeless people desired to be cured? Some mentally ill people encountered seem to enjoy their mental illness.
Second of all, how can a homeless person get a good paying job so they can afford $750 or more per month rent? How can an older homeless person get necessary job skills? One homeless person I know proved a victim of outsourcing. For 30 years, he worked in area textile mills. As the textile jobs disappeared into China Vietnam, and other parts of Asia or Africa, this person lost every remaining job. Nearing age 50, this man seems to be more unemployable as time moves.
Many years passed in the city so the problem of housing became noticeable. It will take much time before a solution to homelessness is found.
Peace, Jim