picture courtesy of SFGate.comIn an article on today's SFGate.com website titled "Scaled-down homeless rights law advances", the author discusses how homeless people in California will be allowed to sit and lye in public spaces without the threat of arrest. In other words, homeless people can use the entrance to buildings and stairwells to rest without the fear of being kicked out or sent to jail. The previous bill included private property and businesses, but was removed due to opposition. This new bill also states that the government should provide bathrooms and showers to these individuals.
Every human deserves to be treated kindly and respected, and are entitled to basic human rights. I am not sure how I feel about this as I am not sure what programs are already available to homeless people in regards to food, health and welfare. How will the government pay for the bathroom and showers for these individuals to access? What about safety concerns? After reading this article, my heart went out to this demographic as I cannot imagine the daily challenges they face. It is heartbreaking to see another human being without the basic needs that I enjoy everyday; I'm just not sure if this is the way to go.
Your thoughts/advice/information bloggers... :)
California has the highest number of homeless people in the country and simply not enough shelters to accommodate them all. It is heartbreaking to even think about their daily struggles, especially in regards to a place to just rest for a bit. With so little options, I am not sure what is the best way to proceed..but I am glad the issue is getting the much needed attention it deserves.
ReplyDeleteHey Jewel, very interesting and thought provoking post! I personally am in favor of provide the homeless with restroom and showers. While visiting in Olympia, I met someone who volunteers for a non-profit that provides essential hygiene and nutrition to the homeless. The group provides water, blankets, fruit, and other supplies. To me it seemed that this was a very valued service and could be effective if implemented on a wider scale. Thanks for such an interesting post!
ReplyDeleteHi Jewel,
ReplyDeleteThis is ridiculous. Homeless people have many options that are available to them already, many chose not to use the services. Shelters are available, food, clothing and personal hygiene products. Every time I went to downtown San Francisco, there were many homeless that would use fast food restaurants to groom themselves or shelters. There are programs available to help the homeless. My question is how much will this cost the taxpayers?
Wait..homeless people don't have rights? I thought they were citizens as well...
ReplyDeleteThey are citizens and do have rights, but possibly not the elevated right of taxpaying citizens? That would just be my guess..
ReplyDeleteI must say that I agree with both sides of this debate. The homeless are of course human beings, and want a clean, safe bed and warm food like everybody else. But at the same time, there are programs available already to help these people get back onto their feet.
With that being said, I would still veer toward the side of helping them out as much as possible, more so than we are doing now. I think we should do what we can.
Great post Jewel!
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree that it is sad to see the hardships homeless individuals face on a daily basis I find it a little frightening that people will be allowed to sit in front of businesses or block entry ways without legal consequence, since business owners should have the right to perceive that action as trespassing. There are many shelters and areas for the homeless to go to that could be much better resources.
It would be nice if the government had services, kind of like transitional housing and train the homeless people who are able body to work trades or some type of employment. They will be able to learn to get their GED, train and work all at the special housing. Although; in these budget times getting legitimate help for those who really need it, is unfortunately highly unlikely.
ReplyDeleteLike I understand that homeless people need more resources to succeed, but I am not really down to pay more taxes for it to happen. My plan if I were to ever become homeless would be to rob a bank. Either I would come out unscathed with a ton of start up money, or I'd get sent to jail with rehabilitation and more resources to succeed than I would have if I were still on the street.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting topic!I don't understand why the goverment doesnt have anything for homeless people where they can get back on there feet or something.I know if they try to go to a Homeless shelter it is always full so the goverment needs to build more homeless shelter that way there wouldn't be so many homeless people in California
ReplyDelete