By Messenger Lloyd Torgerson Santa Monica
In response to the recent article in the LA Times (May 17) regarding Councilman Bobby Shriver’s proposal to address the critical issues of homelessness in Santa Monica and beyond, I urge the community to support this effort.
I understand the sensitivities on all sides of the issue. It is my hope that recruiting a respected individual to take on the multi-faceted issues of those who are homeless and the impacted communities will re-invigorate the focus needed to address these issues with compassion and resolve.
Saint Monica Catholic Parish Community is the spiritual home to 7,500 households and we encounter the plight of people who are in desperate circumstances, including those who are homeless, on a daily basis. We do our best to meet their immediate needs, but many require ongoing services of agencies and organizations with counseling, housing, and rehabilitation programs. If the efforts in this area are more focused on a regional level, there may be more options for those needing services. I appreciate the efforts and response taken by our city on this issue. Sometimes we need more than committees and commissions — in this case we may need someone to act as a catalyst to spark a creative and compassionate response. Mr. Shriver may not have all the answers, but his proposal does have merit, and I hope the community gives it their support.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 25, 2005. Read the original PDF.