Opinion: A homeless person cleared from an encampment is still homeless. How does this solve any problems?

To the editor: As a social work graduate student, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some members of San Bernardino’s homeless population. The experience made me understand that while some homeless individuals choose to be on the streets, others are simply unable to find affordable housing. Many also deal with mental health issues and addiction.

So, when I read about the clearing of the large homeless encampment along the Santa Ana River in Anaheim, I could only wonder where these individuals will go. (“Hundreds of homeless face eviction or arrest as O.C. clears encampment amid shelter bed shortage,” Jan. 22)

It’s one thing for Orange County officials to try to relocate these homeless individuals, but without providing places for them to go, they’re creating an even larger problem. Much as the state did after the recent wildfires in California that left thousands of people homeless, the governor should declare an emergency and release millions in funding for crisis housing, rental subsidies and other services.

We need to acknowledge the slow-burning fire that is consuming the lives of thousands of homeless Californians. We can’t continue to move human beings from place to place without finding a viable solution to the homelessness crisis.

Ruth Harrison, Hesperia

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To the editor: One resident of the recently cleared riverside encampment in Anaheim claimed that she had lived there for 16 years.

In that time, what did she do to try to get off the street? Enroll in any job-training programs? Seek help from any charitable organization like the Salvation Army that helps people rebuild their lives? Try to develop a skill that could help her?

Or does she receive any government benefits that make those options unnecessary?

It is hard not to have compassion for the truly unfortunate. But there is some wisdom, even for atheists, in the adage that God helps those who help themselves.

David Goodwin, Los Angeles

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To the editor: Wow, Orange County, your compassion overwhelms me — providing plastic bags to human beings who have nowhere to go and no resources. You truly are home to the happiest place on Earth.

Tama Winograd, Valley Village

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