Daniel Marsh: Don’t make it tougher on the homeless in Modesto
According to “Modesto a city that make homelessness a crime, report says” (Page 3A, Nov. 17), the city of Modesto has strict ordinances to control the public behavior of our homeless population. I hope, with winter upon us, that we take a more charitable attitude toward low-income persons and have more tolerance for our homeless population.
It is wonderful that each year people and organizations give to help feed and clothe folks who have less. Thank you, and I hope they do such again this holiday season. But I wish the general population would have more tolerance toward the homeless. Do not enforce those city ordinances unless individuals are out of control. If you cannot help the ones who must live on city streets, then maybe practice benign neglect. Let the homeless population cope in their own way, as they always have.
Reach out to community-based organizations like the Gospel Mission or Salvation Army with cash donations so they can provide food and shelter. Yes, we pay taxes that help support those who come up short, but a little extra giving sure helps. By giving aid to those who are set up to help the poor of our community and you will be a hero.
Daniel Marsh, Modesto
This story was originally published November 21, 2016 at 5:18 PM with the headline "Daniel Marsh: Don’t make it tougher on the homeless in Modesto."