Uncharitable Act

Your article “Residents Want Costa Mesa to Oust 3 Charities” (Nov. 22) reports “. . . that some residents want the charities out because they are magnets for street people.” Orange Coast Interfaith Shelter was named as one of the three charities.

For 13 years, Orange Coast Interfaith Shelter has helped the homeless become housed. We have an 84% success rate in moving graduates into permanent homes.

One-third of our clients are young children. They do not fit a stereotype of street people. They need our help to stay in school and break the cycle of poverty.

These days, when you hear people talking about helping people privately instead of with government and taxpayer money, does it behoove residents to talk of ousting effective charities? What happened to the “points of light” idea? I think we as a community can do better.

DIANA HENSLEY

President, Board of Directors

Orange Coast Interfaith Shelter

Costa Mesa