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# They’re working on it
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/theyre-working-on-it-editor/
- Published: 2008-02-09T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T18:22:11.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import, Homeless, Homelessness

*By Julie Rusk Human Services Manager, City Hall*

Mr. McColgan (“Some tough love is needed,” page 4, Feb. 6) makes some excellent points. I understand his frustration that with all the resources devoted to solving homelessness, the problem ought to go away, and 60 people should be able to get 110 homeless people off the streets. Nevertheless, the wealthiest and most capable nation in the world has been paralyzed by the problem of homelessness for more than thirty years. Why? Because as adults they have the same rights as you and I, and no matter how mentally ill they might be, it is against the law to use force on them. That said, I am happy to report that we are turning the tide by applying the best that we have — powerful research, effective programs and intelligent policies. The surveying that Mr. McClogan decries actually provided powerful data about individuals, and the bigger picture of homelessness in Santa Monica. It allowed us to pinpoint 110 people who suffer the most severe disabilities and are most at risk of dying on the streets. We now know exactly who we need to help, what their problems are, their names and where to find them. The homeless problem has long seemed intractable. But because of initiatives like this, the chronic homeless population actually went down nationally in 2006 for the first time since de-institutionalization. We in Santa Monica hope to make this decrease a trend, until chronic homeless in the United States is no more. I hope Mr. McColgan will join us in celebrating when that day comes.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 9, 2008.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/020908.pdf?ref=smdp.com)