Fresh, Cooperative Approaches Urged for the Homeless

Local governments need to actively pursue solutions to the homeless issue facing Orange County. With the recent disclosure that the Santa Ana City Council will consider legislation to outlaw the homeless from erecting temporary housing on local streets and parks, it is obvious that this increasing problem demands remedy.

City officials should be holding joint study sessions in an effort to form partnerships, which would include neighboring city representatives, business owners, church officials and concerned citizens. These study sessions could provide a forum to alleviate the growing hostility and frustration that the homeless condition has generated.

Once these partnerships are established, homeless shelters could be built in leased industrial space that borders several jurisdictions, so costs could be shared jointly by cities. Business owners, church leaders and developers could be called upon to retrofit the property, creating a safe environment for a diverse homeless population. In return, the shelter residents would be asked to keep the quarters clean and help with the cooking and maintenance of the facilities.

The increasing homeless problem demands creative solutions, not only for the short term but also for the long haul. Band-Aid legislation creates interim results but fails to answer the true needs of the homeless community. Only through determined commitment and inventive ideas will inroads be made toward resolving this problem.

CHRISTINA L. SHEA, Community Services Commissioner, Irvine