Suggestions on Aiding Homeless; Reasons for Problem

Re Judge Youngblood’s attempts to aid the homeless on a weekend when he could reach only shelter recording machines: Volunteers spend countless hours operating shelters with pitifully few funds, and there are never enough beds for the people needing them. Donating clothing or even food or furniture is not the answer to the long-range problem.

Having served on the board of directors of a homeless shelter for families in Orange County where I helped interview many prospective residents, I have come to the conclusion that three basic problems must be addressed if we are to stem this ever-rising tide of human misery.

* There is lack of education. We must find a way to keep children in school. Young people must complete high school with reasonable grades or take advantage of a vocational school to be able to fill out a job application properly and to have some kind of skill to offer an employer.

* There is estrangement from families. Many homeless families have moved far away from family, friends and familiar surroundings. Others are alienated because they don’t get along with family members. This negates any possibility of family support in times of crisis.

* And then there is substance abuse, past or present.

It is incumbent upon all of us to work for the solution to these problems in whatever way--supporting counseling centers for solving domestic problems, family planning, drug abuse, mental health, working for better school systems (and) electing officials who will keep their promises.

Giving shelter today is necessary and compassionate, but the children of the homeless must have new role models and be pointed in new directions so that they can realize their “American dream.”

LORRIL SENEFELD, Fullerton