Daniel Marsh: Nothing ever really changes to help homeless
Every year about this time, there are endless meetings and discussions dealing with the public issues of homelessness in the county and cities. But nothing much really changes. I call this “pretense empathy.” The public discussion is only to define the social problem, but nothing is done on a wide scale.
We have one of the highest poverty rates is the nation. Yes, poor people become homeless and many migrate from expensive urban areas to here.
It is a good feeling to give to the local Salvation Army and Gospel Mission to feed the poor. I do this and pay taxes to support welfare programs. But the problem remains.
The only reality is that the homeless must fend for themselves. So, if you cannot help them leave them alone so they can find their own solutions for survival.
Over half of local homeless might be unsheltered due to drug or mental health reasons; they cannot live with anyone. There are those who hide among the homeless so their parole officers cannot catch them. Let’s stop whining about the homeless problem, and act more strongly in compassionate ways to help all poor folks. Give more to local charities. As you do, just say quietly, “Merry Christmas to all.”
Daniel Marsh, Modesto
This story was originally published November 23, 2015 at 1:39 PM with the headline "Daniel Marsh: Nothing ever really changes to help homeless."