Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Homelessness issue in Los Angeles
What this article is basically talking about is the homeless issues in Los Angeles, and according to the article Los Angeles seven years ago was named "The Homeless Capital of America" with recording over 84,000 people who were homeless. Plus all the ways that tried to solve this problem did not really work all that well. However, now a bunch of faith leaders are trying to help the homeless issue in Los Angeles. What they are trying to do is help thoes who are homeless through a focus on compassion. They are doing this in the hope that it will influence others to help thoes who are homeless. This is becuase for them it is an act of "justice" to home all thoes who have none. So I ask you do you guys think that this is a good approach to this pressing issue? Or do you guys think that there is a better way at approaching this issue? And if so what would you suggest as another issues?
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8 comments:
I love ideas like this. I don't love how they, more often than not, tend to epic fail. It's nice to see that there's always hope. If this one fails, another is sure to come along and try again. I think legislation needs to get passed or changed in order for the homeless to get out of their current states and get jobs.
They've actually been doing this for a long time, not in just LA but everywhere. I think it's probobly the only way to get people on their feet and make them believe in themselves.
The key word is "try". It's not an overnight solution, and so far nobody's got it right, but the fact that we even care to give it a shot means that enough good hearted people will keep trying till they get something. Who knows, we may never solve the homeless issue, but that don't mean drop it and give up.
-Raymond Lim
There may be ultimately a more effective solution because these tend to not be too successful, but I do believe that it is a strong step in helping the homeless; hopefully along the way we can establish a better solution.
I mean, sure, as faith leaders, it is their job to instill a sense of spiritual guidance to those around them. In that respect they are doing their job. But to claim that this will overcome the problem of homelessness is sort of naive, and surprisingly ignorant of the problem. I think what's lacking here is a focus on what the true root causes of homelessness are, a problem that many municipal leaders have failed to identify. This solution takes a reactive solution to a problem that needs to be addressed proactively. Perhaps work needs to be done to reform eviction statutes or lobby the bureaucracy to allocate more funds to increase education in low-income areas, as there is a strong correlation to homelessness and education level. Ina any case, the "feed the homeless" programs are great, but they are not sustainable. Instead of trying to help the homeless reactively, we should focus on the roots of homelessness and act proactively, a solution that is not only more effective, but less costly in the long run.
I wonder how much success they are having with helping homeless people. I like the idea that they are focusing on compassion. It seems that the focus could, also, be on the fact that homeless people need to have faith in themselves and their abilities. I believe everyone can help benefit society, but you just need to figure out what talents you have and then further your talents by finding a mentor to help expand your ability.
I would say making homeless shelters would help this issue. Although it wouldn't be nice to see more homeless shelters popping up in your area. Maybe the government should send them to the army to shape them up.
I definitely agree with Jason on this one. Programs that feed and house the homeless aren't really a solution, they just delay the problem. A real solution would enable homeless people to maintain their own well being and improve educational opportunities for younger generations. I know that Organizations such as Delancey Street work to enable former criminals and drug addicts to begin a new and self sustainable life, but maybe something like this is needed for homeless folks... Just a Thought.
Like most of the posters above me, I disagree with their approach in trying to help the homeless. It's only a temporary solution. Like Jason, I believe that we should address the fundamental problems of homelessness. Because, honestly, giving them a meal, a couple clothes, or a couple nights at a shelter will not resolve the issue... it only perpetuates it. I've volunteered at my church serving meals to the homeless, and some of them have lost a lot of hope. Some have lived on the streets for years and most get used to living like that. Some don't even want help because they've gotten so used to being homeless. It's incredibly sad, but true. We should do more than just solve temporary, superficial problems.
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