Myers’ ‘Humane’ View of Homeless

In regard to the article about City Atty. Robert M. Myers and his memo to the Santa Monica City Council (Times, Oct. 10): It is clear from the brief quotation in the article from Mr. Myers that he has a humane and enlightened view of the law, as compared with some others. He clearly does not believe in criminalizing the condition of homelessness, which would serve no just purpose.

I have lived in Santa Monica for 10 years and have seen the homeless population grow substantially, not because of some Pied Piper calling them to the beach, but because of the growing economic crisis in the country, and the breakdown of services available to the poor. I deeply sympathize with those members of the community who are concerned and frightened by the situation, especially as it affects children and the elderly.

But the problem of homelessness will not be solved by rousting homeless persons from the park and jailing them for repeated sleeping in the park. On the contrary, criminalizing homelessness will only increase their suffering and make it more difficult for them to lift themselves out of homelessness. Providing services and shelters in the short term and a turnabout in economic and mental health policies can make the difference.

The Task Force on Homelessness appointed by the city to study the issues and to make proposals for city policies is in the midst of deliberations and will report to the City Council in December. I have attended several meetings of the task force and it appears this very diverse but hard-working group is making real progress in sorting out possible programs the city can support.

The stepped-up jailing of homeless persons seems to be completely against the purpose of naming a task force in the first place, and appears to be sidestepping that process completely. As everyone knows, there are not enough jail cells for all the homeless. Where are they going to sleep if not in the parks? Better on doorsteps?

Of course, Santa Monica cannot carry the burden alone. All communities must share in the responsibility for caring for the needy, a class of persons for whom resources appear always to be limited. Santa Monica has done more than most, thanks to caring citizens and city officials like Mr. Myers, who personally funds and operates with volunteer help a Saturday feeding program.

I believe it is a serious mistake to turn the condition of homelessness into a criminal offense by jailing people for sleeping on public property when there is no place else for them to go.

ALICE FISHER

Santa Monica