By Randy Walburger Santa Monica
So Julie (Rusk) wants another survey to study who is most deserving of a bed instead of the cold alley ( “Factoring in vulnerability,” page1, Jan. 17). Now they have to hide out at night from the police and be society’s pariah. A “study” or “survey” will what, reveal that living on the street is killing them? Who doesn’t fit into that category? Rusk and all the other directors, supervisors and council people must not hide from the real statistics of 80 percent of the 73,000 or 58,000 have no bed. Another study of who is the most disserving (sic) is just another excuse for doing nothing. Everyone is disserving (sic) of a safe private bed, sanitary facilities and storage all tied to a real caseworker client support. Organized camping with caseworker management is one way that directly faces and offers the homeless these basics.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 25, 2008. Read the original PDF.