Reaching the Mentally Ill Homeless

Joe Domanick reported one instance of the tragic way in which the California criminal justice system and services for mentally ill people interface--or fail to do so (“How California Failed Kevin Evans,” Aug. 26). All individuals who have contact with a mentally ill person, whether they are psychiatrists or other mental health workers, police or correctional officers, attorneys or judges, need to be knowledgeable and compassionate. They must be committed to reaching out and providing continuous service for as long as necessary. It should not be up to the [mentally ill] person to reach out to make him or herself heard; it is up to [others] to reach out and hear.

Rosa F. Kaplan

Van Nuys

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There are several important local initiatives that show great promise in ending the cycle of homelessness and hopelessness of people like Evans. One is the increased state involvement and funding for outreach and mental health and social services, which provide housing for the homeless mentally ill who live on our streets and in shelters and who come from the jail. Lamp’s Community Model in downtown Los Angeles has led the way during the past 16 years in getting people housing with whatever support they need to integrate back into the community.

Then there is the increased innovation by the nonprofit sector in the form of housing models, including permanent affordable housing for the chronically mentally ill homeless that provides supportive services on site. Organizations such as A Community of Friends, Homes for Life Foundation, Mental Health Assn. and Portals Mental Health Rehabilitation Services are just a few of the pioneers.

Ruth Schwartz, Shelter Partnership

Mollie Lowery, Lamp

John Maceri, Ocean Park Community Center

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I believe it was no one’s fault but Evans’ own that he was not placed in a mental hospital prior to his death. He had the good sense to know where his sister lived, how to return to his Lancaster stomping grounds and that a simple crime would land him a few nights in jail, complete with a warm bed and three square meals. He could have let his sister care for him and supply him with medication. He could have frequented a free clinic. He could have asked his countless public defenders for help. It is my opinion that he chose to be unhealthy. He chose to let his illness consume him.

Kelly Thompson

Los Angeles

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Isn’t it interesting that the first response by the deputies once they realized [something was wrong with] Evans was to shut off the camera? The attitude of “how can we hide” (our mistakes) rather than “how can we help” ( a fellow human) is at the root of the problem throughout our entire criminal justice system. We hire poorly, we train badly and we knowingly allow the cover-ups.

Sandra Forbes

Valencia