Another Reason for ‘Street People’

There are 17 cities in Orange County that are going into redevelopment and eminent-domain proceedings.

All the media seem to think the current flood of “street people” and “Bag Ladies” is due to unemployment caused by automation and foreign competition or dumping. A very important contribution to the “street people” population is the result of redevelopment when a person just barely making it lives in housing considered to be substandard by some study group looking into an area of homes wanted for commercial development. This area may not be substandard at all.

After the study is completed, the city then proclaims the area redevelopment district and homeowners are offered a low price for their properties. Those who refuse are forced out by “eminent-domain” proceedings.

People just making it can only rent since the money paid them for their home will not be enough to buy another.

In my own case, I’ve had this well-kept home since 1965. Due to a veteran’s loan my total cost per month is $136 for house payment, interest, taxes and insurance. What selling price I may receive will not buy another house with its higher payments, taxes, interest and insurance.

All I can possibly do after they kick me out of my home will be to rent someplace until the money is used up and then become another “street person” in the very city that is supposedly trying to upgrade its image.

In Fullerton, they are trying to find ways to provide temporary shelter for the very homeless they create through redevelopment and “eminent domain.” A group of 300 Fullerton homeowners has started a “Homeowners League of Defense (HOLD) to try to restrain redevelopment from running roughshod over homeowners.

I am 69 years old. I lost both of my legs. There is no possible way that I can live the normal life that I live now if I am forced out of my home and have to live on my present fixed income.

PAUL W. HOLDER

Fullerton