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# Meredith C. Carroll Meredith Pro Tem Talk to homeless for real solutions
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/meredith-c-carroll-send-comments-to-editor-smdp-com-meredith-pro-tem-talk-to-homeless-for-real-solutions-editor/
- Published: 2007-09-06T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-25T00:55:27.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import, Homeless

*By Milton Billingsley*

(Re: “New portal for Westside’s homeless,” August 27) Obviously Mr. Maceri has not visited his precious OPCC in a long time, if ever.

Perhaps his people notify OPCC when he is going to visit and OPCC has time to clean-up and install their favorite homeless around the lobby so everything looks clean, safe and - sterile. OK.

John, I know you have a good heart and perhaps it's because you're tied into the City too much that maybe this fact shields your eyes, but, if you really want to help the homeless meet with them. Just so you'll be warned, it could take more than five minutes. More like five days because there are large numbers of homeless that will never set foot in OPCC because of past problems. Do you understand the term 'outreach' because your people do not and use the outreach people for pick-up and delivery purposes. Try to understand that the enormous amount of money you collect should help all the people - not just the chosen few your people at OPCC find as favorites.

The fact that you are trying to defend OPCC regarding Bill Bauer's article shows me that you do not know what goes on at OPCC. My suggestion: Don’t pay attention to the homeless hating Mr. Bill and pay more attention to Santa Monica's HOBOS.

Also be warned that you are moving into a very crowded facility that is actually built for your employees and not the homeless. Who designed this ineffectual monstrosity that barely leaves sitting room outdoors for your clients?Not forgetting about the present meal programs, once moved over there will officially be outdoor programs. Isn't that against the law?

As for OPCC busing people to Santa Monica, don’t listen to your people. Talk to the new homeless and you will find out that other programs outside Santa Monica are the ones doing the busing by giving away free tickets and tokens to those that have caused trouble in their particular area. AGAIN ASK THEM.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 6, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/090607.pdf?ref=smdp.com)