Drop-In Center May Help Homeless

* Thousand Oaks Mayor Andy Fox is correct when he states that “There is nothing nice about homelessness.”

There is nothing nice about having to relieve yourself of bodily fluids because you are denied access to public restrooms, or smelling because there’s no place for you to shower or wash your hair. There is nothing nice about rummaging through trash bins looking for your next meal.

Fortunately, there are 23 Conejo Valley churches and synagogues that have attempted to make life a little easier the past seven years for Conejo homeless. Shelter is provided during the four coldest winter months and meals are provided year-round.

It is unfortunate that the efforts to establish a drop-in center have been thwarted, as this facility would address the concerns of the mayor and other citizens who worry about people “urinating and eating food and leaving it in the street,” by providing a place for the homeless to shower and take care of personal hygiene.

There were many nights this year when the number of people staying in the shelter far exceeded the 20-cot capacity of the sites. With continued downsizing of local businesses and projected cuts to SSI, AFDC and other elements of welfare reform, we can assume that the numbers of homeless will grow.

How does the mayor propose we respond?

KAREN INGRAM

Vice President, Lutheran Services

Director, Conejo Valley Winter Shelter

Thousand Oaks