Monday, Aug. 4, 2003 | 8:53 a.m.
America is the richest and most powerful country in the world, yet we neglect our own citizens. The federal government, in this case, is not at fault. Local elected officials around the country choose to be socially conscious and compassionate -- or not to be.
It is unfortunate that since Sept. 13, 2001, when the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition summit was held, the city of Las Vegas, through Mayor Oscar Goodman and the City Council, has decided that homeless people are unworthy and worse.
It is only in the lst two months that we have had small pilot programs that are geared to comprehensively aid the homeless. These programs will have to be expanded 10 times over to be effective. The homeless population includes veterans (about 30 percent), mentally ill people and families. About 40 percent of them work, and with help, more of them would join the working population.
They need emergency shelter as well as affordable housing that would cost in the range of $350 a month. SROs, or single resident occupancy apartments, would serve as transitional housing because of their low cost.
It is in our own self interest to help our fellow citizens because it will make America safer, healthier and more unified. Each of us can help by donating money or used household goods, or through volunteering.
FRANK PERNA
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