Missile Campers Could Serve Homeless

Los Angeles, the homeless capital, has led, leads and will continue to lead in the rise in the ranks of homeless. With the special factor of ideal weather and beach front there is no doubt we are and will be a magnet for the victims of governmental fiscal conservatism. . . .

I believe that an estimated 33,000 homeless in Los Angeles County is a low figure, yet whether there are over 60,000 or a “mere” 33,000, the magnitude is too large for us to continue to do too little and just reach a handful.

The ranks of the homeless are comprised of many different sub-populations. As a psychiatrist, my interest and work has been with the mentally ill homeless. Although many significant strides have been made in the past year, many mentally ill homeless people who want services are turned away. The ever-present problem of the chronically mentally ill continues, and lawmakers still need to enact legislation that will enable the mental health profession to improve the quality of life of the mentally ill homeless person on the street through required psychotropic medication when indicated.

PAUL S. JOSEPH, M.D.

Venice Beach