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# Homeless answer in our backyard
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/homeless-answer-in-our-backyard-editor/
- Published: 2005-06-06T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T07:13:51.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import, Homeless

*By Robert McMullan Santa Monica*

I read with interest an article that appeared in the Los Angeles Times, “A New Voice in the Homeless Debate”, on May 17\. Bobby Shriver, in discussing the homeless situation, makes an appealing mission statement. He says the city must consider new ideas and embrace a regional approach to solve this seemingly intractable problem. After reading that and noticing that it came out of Santa Monica, I was somewhat perplexed. Recently homeless myself in Santa Monica, it didn’t take me long to discover Pastor Robert Taylor, his wife Patricia and their dynamic ministry — Loveland. After attending several times and then reading Mr. Shriver’s comments, it’s hard for me to believe that he is unaware of the remedy to his problem that he is intent to resolve. After all, it’s camped out right at his back door — “Santa Monica.”

The Loveland Ministry is absolutely amazing to say the least. At 7:30 a.m., the doors are opened for fellowship and breakfast. At 8:30 a.m., the pastor gets down to fill us spiritually. And let me say, there is not one person there that can say their cup doesn’t overflow.

Generally speaking, the pastor compares the stereotypical way a homeless person tends to think about their situation and themselves, and attempts to change our way of thinking by challenging us to line up our thoughts the way the Bible would have us to think in Jesus’ name.

Pastor Taylor is definitely on a mission, and he most certainly wields the sword of the Spirit. He’s extremely militant, sure of his belief and a very effective speaker. He can quote any Scripture and then take the same Scripture from another version of the Bible to give you a better understanding... and frequently does so. In retrospect, Councilman Shriver talks about his proposal to recruit a prominent person who would serve as a “homeless initiative secretary.” Well, if he’s serious, like I said, his answer is right in his own backyard.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 6, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/060605.pdf?ref=smdp.com)