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# Santa Monica Stand tall by our suffering youth
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-stand-tall-by-our-suffering-youth-editor/
- Published: 2007-10-23T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T03:36:00.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import, Homelessness

*By Migsy Smith*

I am writing to voice my endorsement of Daniel’s Village (“Residents to Step Up: Step off,” Oct. 18). This project, in conjunction with the support services that Step Up and Daniel’s Place provide for young adults struggling with mental illness, is desperately needed. The transition from adolescent to adult, and the attending life skills that must be learned to make this transition, is confusing and difficult in and of itself. For kids with mental illness, it is overwhelming. They need all the support and love we, as a community, can give to them.

Research has shown that people with mental illness are no more likely than anyone else to harm strangers. However, they are more likely to be the victims of violence than other members of society, due in part to poverty and homelessness. Daniel’s Village will provide safe shelter, social support and independent living skills to these young people. For some, it may even make the difference between life and death.

It is my hope that the citizens of Santa Monica will approach this issue with knowledge and compassion. To paraphrase a famous quote, “No person stands so tall as when s(he) stoops to help a young person.” These kids need our help. Let’s give it to them by supporting Daniel’s Village and we’ll all stand a little taller.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 23, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/102307.pdf?ref=smdp.com)