Homeless: Solutions Are as Diverse as the Causes

I am an employee with the L.A. Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Street Services, currently loaned to an “alley crew” that cleans and sweeps the alleys in the Los Angeles area. On a daily basis, I deal with the blight and squalor referred to in your recent articles about the homeless.

When you see and talk to the many individuals who find their own ways to survive in these areas, you get a sense of just how diverse the causes of homelessness are. Everyone has a story to tell--a reason or excuse, depending on what side of the fence you’re on.

There is no magic solution, single program or cure-all to this situation. It will require many efforts by competent professionals, organizations and ex-homeless people who all have the patience and well-managed resources to commit to a long-term battle to attack the reasons for the problem, and not just label the people who need the help.

Dan Mariscal

Montebello