Homelessness is going to take a very hands on approach....I'm definitely no expert, but I know our city counsel continually increases spending on the homeless crisis, and it continues to get worse, quickly.
I do think we need to look at each individual to see what they need to get help, targeted to their situation.. Mental health assistance, job counseling, jail...whatever. Unfortunately, it's hard to target the really needy because there are so many drug addicted people out there that refuse any help, and think they are right where they want to be. That is a huge problem in Seattle.
The city council plans to use the head tax money to build temporary housing, but far too few units, and it will take the bureaucracy way too long to produce them, it would be better just to give people assistance in the form of money, help them pay rents before they are forced to the street.
Mental health outreach programs are a huge need, as is involuntary commitment. There are some seriously sick people living on the streets, it's a sin to leave them suffering out there. |
