A Reality Check of Homelessness * U.$.$.A. * * *

by

a. John Doe Homeless

Fire, Flood, Earthquakes . . . . Economy *

* Equal (?)... Opportunities !?

Houseless is not Homeless

Typically, governing agencies come up with the wrong solution to a given problem. An example is the focus on band-aids for problems instead of a fix-it attempt, as do amendments to an amendment of an amendment. Likewise, there wouldn't be more need for more food at the kitchens and food banks, more shelters (there are apparently plenty of kitchens and food banks), if only the client population was reduced (instead of growing). The contribution to that problem is that some of the former donators are now clients! And where is this increasing portion of the population coming from, who are they, and who will the next increasing numbers come from?

It Doesn't take a Disaster . . .

to be a Catastrophe . . .

. . . in anyone's life!?

The tragedy that the victims of Katrina are dealing with is traumatic obviously, but not so obvious is how equally traumatic becoming homeless without being preceded by a disaster. Although the loss occurs more slowly, losing life, property, life's worth in general with less physical damage or starling impact still wears constantly and is equally disconcerting. Especially as the despair accumulates and becomes overwhelming, depression sets in to distract the decision making process and sense of judgment. We're all aware of some of the results, but consider how different people react in different ways to the same set of circumstances. Those with inappropriate behavior, behaved inappropriately before becoming homeless. Specifically, it is not appropriate to blame all the homeless for the behavior of a few.

It's the Economy - Stupid!

Housing has always been the largest, and the most compelling household (and business) expense! The increases in housing costs have exceeded far beyond any increase in average or below average incomes extremely during the past 20 years, and this widening gap has been accelerating that trend with each year. Instead of promoting the need for more jobs... consider that more affordable jobs that perpetuate the ability to afford the increasing housing costs! The idea that raising minimum wage causes inflation is misguided reasoning!! The 2006 minimum wage increase ($1.00 per hour) is the first increase in over 5 years. During that time housing costs have quadrupled, and the gas prices... (?).....

What were they Thinking!?

What could our local governing agencies expect to accomplish by creating a crime to punish and persecute the unfortunate folks who merely attempt to live within their means. As an already existing hardship to living "in the rough", by violating Civil Rights will only create additional problems for everyone concerned.

Boycott Housing.com

Boycotting the purchase of housing has the right intentions. However, even just paying rent (ie: landowner support) results in diminishing the desired effect which already has slight influence. Since you are still paying into "the system", others will benefit by affording to hold out longer before selling and consequentially be able to avoid reducing their price. Half-hearted commitment offers only half-"hearted" results.

U.S. 9th District Court Transcript

Thanks to the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California...in April 14, 2006 the U.S. 9th District Court of Appeals has ruled that the manner in which the city has enforced the ordinance by arresting homeless people, has criminalized the status of homelessness by making it a crime to be homeless is in violation of the 8th Amendment. Events leading up to this point prior to 1994. However, there are still some cities and counties (Sonoma County included) have the arrogance to continue to violate Civil Rights of people for being homeless.