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Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013 | 2:01 a.m.
Great column about the 9,432 (and counting) homeless in fab Las Vegas (“In a sobering effort to count our homeless, this man knows where to look”). The question is: What can we do about it? I think about the billions of dollars that were spent on political campaigns. I could do so much for the homeless with only $1 million of the billions that were spent. I urge Nevada’s elite and wealthy to take a stand to better our state by giving their money to the betterment of humanity as a whole. Let’s build shelters and affordable housing, doing all ...
Gloria Smith,
You should contact the white house. The President has a the United States inter-agency council on homelessness which is a multi-agency government group that was spear-headed to develop a federal strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness.
The departments include:
-department of agriculture
Secretary Tom Vilsack
-department of commerce
Secretary Gary Locke
-department of defense
Secretary Robert M. Gates
-department of education
Secretary Arne Duncan
-department of energy
Secretary Steven Chu
-department of health
and human services
Secretary Kathleen Sebelius
-department of homeland security
Secretary Janet Napolitano
-department of housing and
urban development
Secretary Shaun Donovan
-department of interior
Secretary Ken Salazar
-department of justice
Attorney General Eric Holder
-department of labor
Secretary Hilda Solis
-department of transportation
Secretary Ray H. LaHood
-department of veterans affairs
Secretary Eric K. Shinseki
-corporation for national and
community service
Chief Executive Officer Patrick Corvington
-general services administration
Administrator Martha N. Johnson
-office of management and budget
Director Peter Orszag
-social security administration
Commissioner Michael J. Astrue
-u.s. postal service
Postmaster General John E. Potter
-white house office of faith-based
and community initiatives
Executive Director Joshua DuBois
- United States interagency council
on homelessness
Executive Director Barbara Poppe
As in any white house administration, some of the secretaries and directors listed above have moved on however, the hope would be that the inter-agency group is still working on initiatives to help the homeless. You should contact the white house and get a status update on what's being done to prevent and help the homeless get back on their feet.
http://www.ich.gov/PDF/OpeningDoors_2010...
Most are mentally ill
Obamacare and Medicaid should be taking care of these people
HIPAA-1996, Privacy Rules, passed under Clinton, must be modified to allow sharing appropriate information with immediate family and law enforcement so these people can be helped. They are sick
In reply to Gloria Smith; thank you for sending you're most noble and self-sacrificing dreams to the editor of the Las Vegas Sun.
I've had the honor of meeting a small amount of people like you in my lifetime. I've found this to be true; most of these magnificent people at some time or another have at least partially achieved their unselfish dreams.
The biggest problem with solving, and or even seeing, "The light at the end of the tunnel" for the homeless is because of the wide array of reasons that cause homelessness.
Yes, many homeless have addictions of and or both of alcohol and drugs. Others have mental and emotional problems. Simply, a good portion has simply lost their jobs and or careers and has not been employable since due to the extreme slow recovery of our economy. But, the fastest growing reason here in this nation for people becoming homeless is wholly scandalous and revolting. It is those running away from spousal abuse and taking their young children with them.
Ms. Smith, I would recommend you focus your most honorable aspirations towards the homeless where these spouses with children have been battered and injured from their significant others. They are in desperate need of serious help. The sad fact is, there is such a significant amount of these type abuse cases, that there is just not sufficient facilities and services available for all the maltreated.
When I worked the streets of downtown Las Vegas as a volunteer back in the early 80's for the Vietnam Veterans Center, I learned some disturbing realities of our children on the streets whose mothers are homeless.
When it came to these homeless children; the majority are in poor health and have extremely high rates of contagions and infections. A good portion of the kids I personally communicated with had talking and stuttering problems. But mostly, these kids first complained of ear infections and continual cases of diarrhea and what seemed, from their descriptions, to be bouts of dehydration.
Although these homeless children were hungry at many intervals, those who suffered with asthmatic problems saw the severity of their breathing issues as the largest threat to their survival. I was surprised that even more than the constant threat of violence that each of them faces on a daily basis.
Ms. Smith, I hope you get your wish in helping the homeless. Just remember, the violence that the homeless face every day, can easily take you hostage, or cost you your life at any given moment. You will be walking into situations where help is much needed, but just as dangerous.
I recall Christmas 2012, a NYPD officer purchased boots and socks for a homeless man sleeping without any on the street. It was a heartwarming story and made the national news. Within days, family of the homeless man said he has the financial means and an apartment with monthly VA income to live comfortably. In fact, after the family told the man's true story, a photo appeared of homeless man in a suit looking more like a NYC lawyer. Is he counted as homeless?
CarmineD
Noble? "If I ever hit the lottery or come into a lot of money, eradicating homelessness is at the top of the list." But, in the meantime I'll ask others to foot the bill while I do nothing because I can't afford to help.
Simple solution. Open your home to one homeless family.
Every flood starts with one drop. Your example just might start a revolution of compassion.
Do not let lack of money stop you. Sacrifice your time and treasure and maybe others will follow. If not, at least you tried.
I agree with VegasO1's point. Individually, you can give to the homeless. I lived downtown and knew the spots off Ogden, Main, Charleston and Industrial where homeless would be looking for food and water, sometimes money which I don't give but I've always asked if I can buy them what they need, a shirt, socks, wash cloths, etc. Some of us know the fast food places where they hang out in front of the entrance asking for a meal. With dollar menu meals so plentiful at many of these fast food places it is easy to buy and give. I would suggest keeping a case of bottled water in your trunk in case you see someone on the street who needs water. A variety pack of single bags of chips is also handy to have to hand out on the quick. I agree with Bradley, you have to be careful. The ones I've given to before I pull up and give items through the passenger window. Those I don't know I park about 20 yards away then go up and ask if they need anything, food, water, a face towel & water to clean their face. Face towels are good to keep in the trunk too as a giveaway item. Many would love to have a place to shower, shave and put on clean clothes. Keep your "buy one get one free" coupons and buy an extra hamburger, taco or sandwich for a homeless person. Many of the homeless express appreciation for the kind gestures of giving. Some will not but keep in mind not everyone is expressive as you so they may not say thank you but they will nod or smile a bit. You don't have to be rich to give in small ways.
Wow,
A human, humane thought from Freeman. Good on you, Re.
I have worked with the homeless down there. Some are ready to go immediately to the closest shelter, others are so incredibly independent and would rather be homeless than conform to anyone's rules.
I have procured ID's for them, counselled them, and got the long term homeless in my car, but they almost all bale at the moment of commitment to a new life.
We need to make a difference early in their homelessness before the streets poison their will. Some of these people are just destined to be isolated IMHO.
Puleeze! It's easy to ask others to fork over the time, effort & money to "eradicate" your "cause;" whatever that may be. Homelessness is but one of many. Many of those out on the "street" are there by choice. They are loners, malcontents or addled by drug & alcohol. You willing to invite them to stay in that empty bedroom or two in your home? Or how about all those "big hearted" Hollywood celebs who make those nauseating public servce ads, then go back to one of their many mansions feeling good about themselves? Or our "progressive" leaders in Washington, DC who are busily larding their wallets while peddling influence and crying crocodile tears over the homeless? Ted "Lady Killer" Kennedy was a prime example. The inheritor of a huge ill-gotten fortune, he had homes scattered throughout the US and the world, most standing empty day after day, which he never opened any up to a homeless family. Typical of the left and it's BS. So, spare me your "concern." Go do something real about it if you care so much!
There is a lesson in the Bible regarding this subject. I can't recall the whole thing right now ,but Christ is supposed to have said something like "he who helps the least of me will gain heaven" Life is a tough situation for some people and if you can bring even a moment of hope to a down trodden wretch it is time well spent. There is also a saying that goes something like this. "If you can't help someone , you yourself need help"
As with all other facets of our economic environment, the single most important action that could be taken would be to bring jobs back to this country. Jobs could either get some homeless off the street directly, or provide for greater tax revenue/charitable giving to help those who can not help themselves.
People can perform individual acts of charity, as several who post have mentioned, which is good, but that will not address the underlying problem.
Homelessness and mental illness go hand in hand.
CarmineD
Ms. Smith I do believe that many wealthy people donate to worthy causes. Romney does, Adelson, Wynn, O'Reilly but end game is we expect more. All we can do is our part. I've donated time and money. My wife and I pick a studen here in Clark County that is in need of sports equipment or musical instruments and we help this child out. I have one street person in particular who is always on the same corner asking for money. I've actually got to know him some what and I have an extra bit of cash I give it to him. Moral of the story help the ones in need if you can, but don't expect those that do give to give more.
"boftx" is spot on -- more jobs will do more to help than anything else. But like some have related, many of those on the street really aren't that interested in changing. Maybe it's drugs, mental illness, or simply a lifestyle choice, but the reality is that an available shelter and soup kitchen may be all they're really capable of. What we could use is more specific targeting of the limited assistance currently available -- of those on the cusp of homelessness or those genuinely willing to to commit to getting out of it.
Homelessness was caused by Reagun emptying the medical facilities for veterans. Republiklans are mean.
A large percentage of today's homeless are military veterans. Some are the product of the Vietnam War & others are the product of the two Gulf Wars...Probably should also include the Afghan War in that statement.
mred is correct....Ronald Reagan's policies has had a lot to do with the current situation. For the most part, the presidents who followed Reagan never really considered the number of homeless to be a major problem.
The two Republican presidents that followed Reagan, Bush & Bush, believed that the various states and the "act of volunteerism" should and could handle the problem...No federal money was needed!
Remember George HW Bush's beliefs in a "thousand points of light?"
Reagan NEVER had a clue about the homeless and why they existed...
As the governor of California, Reagan cut the budget for welfare agencies to the "bare bones," while cutting state taxes for the rich....
The story goes that Reagan, as president, was told by an aide that the US had 2-3 million homeless people. His response was, "tell them to get a job."
Unfortunately, the homeless problem is a "out of sight, out of mind" thing for most people. They don't see it on a daily basis and that means that there's not a problem....
Many right-wingers simply write off the homeless as people who are lazy & don't want to work....
That's a Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity's approach to the homeless problem...
I second Bradley's praise of Gloria, and his very wise insights.
RefNV has some good suggestions for encounters with some homeless.
I have met many homeless in the outdoor patios of the hospital I worked at. It is important to listen to them and try to get to know the mentality that they are presenting. Ask questions when appropriate to get to know them more. There is no one size fits all. Knowing the homeless culture is important because there are a variety of reasons for homelessness.
Safety is important for anyone trying to help. As a woman, I would never go any place of homeless people alone. One cannot count of the help of the general public if you get in trouble either. It is best to be with a brave and knowledgeable male companion. Or work within an organization with a site to serve the homeless.
I do think there needs to be more shelters where the homeless can go for personal hygiene needs. This would also be a good place to manage clothing donations for them. Food could be available following use of the facilities. Referral services could also be provided.
Bradley brings up the needs of abused women and children. I think there is a need for more Safe Houses for immediate needs, and perhaps a step up, some rehab halfway homes where more focused help can be given to get them to a healthier self perception and independence, preparation and support in finding work, as well as legal services, so they can try to avoid falling back into abusive relationships.
There are so many people who have led the way in organizing help for the homeless, the abused, the mentally ill, etc. Anyone interested in such work or volunteerism should do some research and learn where they can be effective.
Some people are fund raisers and others are ground workers, there is room for all in helping people in need.
Involvement is a two way road. Compassionate giving is also compassionate receiving, when free of ego.
Bless you, Gloria!
Met a homeless guy last night outside a convenience store in Henderson. He had a long beard and a fancy bike. He asked for a buck, I gave him two, then because I had bought a six pack of beer, he asked for a beer. I gave him one. Sadly, the first thought I had was that he was like a lost puppy, and will be back for more. It was cold but he had a nice jacket on. Definitely a mental case. Very sad...
Gloria, we can do this: Prioritize social services for AMERICANS instead of illegals. And prioritize those services to those who have been and can be again: PRODUCTIVE AMERICANS. Enough spending on unemployable Moms with several kids. We spend endlessly to feed, cloth, vaccinate, house, ER illegals while are veterans are unemployed, homeless on the streets. Our seniors are cold and hungry because illegals get the LIHEA utility welfare because it's based on household size.
Find a cure for drug and alcohol addiction and schizophrenia and you reduce homelessness by 70%.
Until that happens - The concept of rose colored, feel good fix solution is just that - Or another cut & paste for a government grant.
Dormitories. Stop giving our social services to illegals and teen Moms and provide SOMETHING for others who can transition back. Shared locking rooms with a common kitchen / day room. Perhaps start with those who get a check--VA, SSI, SSDI, small pension....and those with severe medical problems on Medicaid (Americans only). They should be able to afford something for "rent" and community. No need to have lots of rules like the shelters. Some would still take their meals at St. Vincent's but OK.
Bus them out to the vacant prison at Jean. They are a major eyesore to the city of Las Vegas..