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This and That
Homelessness must be dealt with
By THOMAS MICHALSKI
Article published on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2007 |
You see them everywhere. They’re grungy, wear tattered clothes and probably smell. Many claim to be war veterans and stand near shopping malls and intersections with their hands out.
I’ve written numerous stories about street people and even know some of them. Without embarrassing the urban camper population, it’s safe to say that many have psychological problems and other issues. Most like their nomadic lifestyle of not having to answer to anyone but themselves.
The Homeless Planning & Policy Group of Pinellas County was created to resolve homelessness within the decade. The panel consists of very dedicated people, but my guess is that they will not succeed for any number of reasons. The bottom line is that most street people don’t want to change. They like living off the land and tapping government and private funds and programs for services they would otherwise not receive.
Some street people deliberately commit minor crimes for a stay at the Pinellas County Jail where they enjoy three meals a day, a free bed and medical treatment. The homeless, especially in northern cities, beg for jail time during the harsh winter months. Judges actually will ask how much time they want. The request usually is for 90 days, or until warmer weather returns.
Is it fair that taxpayers support these people? Yes and no. Yes, because you can’t just throw away human beings who fall on hard times and, no, because we as homeowners and taxpayers are up against enough walls over outrageously high taxes and insurance premiums.
Some people know how to beat the system. A friend once was rejected for unemployment benefits and fired off a letter condemning the government for not helping worthwhile members of society while providing for generations of deadbeats who know how to milk the government cash cow.
So, what is the answer to resolve homelessness? Well, how about providing jobs cleaning roads and parks? How about providing temporary housing with a stipulation that those who accept subsidized room and board be gainfully employed within a given time? How about teaching job skills and personal responsibility? Some of that has been done, of course, but new efforts are needed to meet a growing demand.
I’m not naive enough not to understand that an element of street people are physically and emotionally unable to help themselves. Some are alcoholics, drug abusers and have psychological issues that border on dangerous. One man, for example, claims a certain street corner as his own. He will savagely attack anyone who enters his turf. And has, many times.
Theories to resolve homelessness are endless, but the solutions are not. As an urban camper once told me, “I like being on the streets. I don’t want to settle down and have to work for benefits that I now get for free.”
Homelessness never will be resolved. Variations of it have existed since Neanderthals traveled from cave to cave back when mammoths and sabertooth tigers roamed the earth.
In the meantime, we must give credit to those people and organizations who relentlessly seek resolutions to this growing problem that would only worsen without their input.
Until next time . . .
Thomas Michalski is the editor of the Pinellas Park Beacon.
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Article published on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2007
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