Not long ago I saw a little movie about homeless people, I was shocked. Almost all of them were deeply under drug influence. How can these people afford being addicted to drugs? I guess that explains their homeless status. Once again I am convinced that drugs steal what's good in people's lives and turn them (if they are lucky to stay alive) in "living ghosts".
Suboxone treatment

I think you have to develop knowledge of good and evil then you can decern the troubles in life for yourself and of the homless.. You have to learn complex matters about good and evil or you will risk ending up in mining camps or evil factorys that are controled by the wicked who seek cheap labor to enslave you for little wage that don't pay the bills or not enough to build vision.
While the wicked devise evil to erode away your base money or you home.
To overcome this you have to invest your base money and the internet gives this ablity to grow your money and have a vision.
Proverbs of Solomom can help you develop knowledge

Remeber the suger cain fields had many slaves that died ....

Relief Action for the homeless in Fresno Ca.US
Earth Date 06.27.2007

Fresno mayor Alan Autry announced today that the City of Fresno US, in a joint project with the County, will set up a homeless center in the downtown area. The center (called a free zone) would provide this communities large homeless population (8,000) a place to put up a tent, there will be por table toilets, trash bins, and a facility (probably a trailer) where homeless people can get information about social services like job training, employment, etc. The location will be in the downtown area in 60 days.
See the video
www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/04/17/18400746.php

comments
....I think a free zone will be good if it is done with understanding ( better a tent with upright intentions verse the house of the wicked or the evil mines of the wicked )....but if the wicked take over this free zone for the homless the meek will be warded off by the wicked and the meek wll have to find resource elsewhere.
...Do not fret over this even if the wicked take over the free zone....the meek will find other resources by the help of those with prudence and the wicked will become overthrown by there own wickedness...though the wicked try to debase mankind the wicked fail because the wicked become undone by there own wickedness. Though the wicked build elevators into space to build evil mining structures in space the wicked become undone by there own wickedness. more information on this "space2057" http://www.grabeh.com/forum/showthread.php?p=547496#post547496

You have a right to not work in the mines of the wicked weither its a chicken processing mining or copper mines etc...for the wicked try to debase the ignorant in mining for ore for small wages.
A movie you can see is Robinson Crusoe on Mars (1964) Stranded on Mars with only a monkey as a companion, an astronaut must figure out how to find oxygen, water, and food on the lifeless planet. This movies witnesses how one man rescues a slave from the wicked who use slaves to mine ore.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058530/plotsummary

Comments by Michael Earley Fresno Ca US Earth Ark Realm

More informantion on relief action
Build in tha Alphabet vision..the Alphabet is the Ark vision
My home page an Alphabet vision site
http://fathomex.net/index.aspx

My haven photos Fresno Ca Earth Ark Realm
http://www.artmajeur.com/?go=artworks/display_mini_gallery&login=exp loration&mini_gallery_id=1123017&artist_id=22356]

I think making clear who the chronic homless are is important in defining a
plan to help others in general.
Your invited to visit my News Board.
http://www.yy2.com/explorationr eality/YaBB.pl?board=news;action=display; num=1107303768

Though a person of upright intentions loses his ship he is able to rebuild palsm 107

A news story on Arcata Homeless Rights Encampment
protest aimed to "reclaim common spaces and create awareness about the issue of homelessness in the country and the fact that folks just don't have a place to sleep and be safe
information source
http://www.indybay.org/northcoast/

A News story on The matrix of the alphabet Ark vision is moving in India

Report by Michael Earley Fresno Ca Earth Ark Realm
Home page http://fathomex.net/index.aspx

This post is placed here for humanity motives and not for famous motive
"Information" is the force that builds power and currency..Proverbs of Solomon

Valley, I think you have some good ideas.

I've been thinking of the string, and discussing such things with not only some of the folks at FNB, -but other individuals (including some who are homeless,) over the weekend.

It is a pretty intense and involved subject.
I think one has to go at the problem with a very, very clean set of hands -and clean intent.

Personally, I would hope that the govt. would get more involved, --but govt. involvement also means a lot of documentation on folks,(which can be a good thing,) --that may freak out some of the efforts that are already in hand.

In some ways, folks who have an opinnion (pro and con,) on helping the homeless and the severely poor are often best 'outside,' the actual services themselves.
It's a definite type of person who can look at a situation, -or a homeless individual, and be able to divorce themselves from any form of judgement, --and then be able to know which battles to pursue, even in that person's life.
It is not easy work, it can be very taxing, you see really rough things happening that you can't usually fix, and it can be dangerous.
(Even the nicest people, can have very bad days.)

I was with someone this past weekend who told me that they had gone from being an 10 year heroin addict, to switching down to oxycontin and pot, and now was trying to just work with just pot.
-They are attempting to wean down, and go drug free, (and have been heroin clean for six months.)

Non-Helping circles that would be probably say:

'another junkie in the park, and a heroin junkie at that, move them on and get them away from decent folks.'

Helping folks:

-Some would say that unless they went cold turkey, or into a Methadone program, detox then rehab. --then Meetings out the wazoo, --that he's not serious and that a user is still a user.

-There are other methods of treatment where a person steps down gradually and weans off of illegal substances, --and eventually goes completely clean in time. (this is more controversial.)

-Both schools of thought, however, would be encouraging and glad to hear that the person was now getting away opiates, -and would encourage them to hang in there.

As far as getting into advanced programs to help the homeless, --in truth, compared to other cities and states, Fresno has very little.
-It's not as simple as 'they are not taking advantage of the services provided.' --there really isn't a whole lot of indepth and long range services provided...
-Further, there is not a whole lot of work available, (nor great housing,) once a person makes that turn around the corner.

-Considering the pervading mindset of folks not really knowing how much they want to get involved,
--not really being all of one mind as to what is enabling and what is simply helping,
--and not really committing the funds to embark on a heavy system (which involves not only counselling, intervention, casemanagement, treatment, re-education, then follow up, halfway houses, (etc.)
-It's going to be a rough road.

I do think that folks who have the ability to go to other areas where there are more advanced and proven help and support systems may do better there.

As for those who are stuck here:
-More probably could be accomplished by private groups, simply because all it takes in that case is a group of likeminded folks to have a backer, (or be the backers,) and follow established guidlines to assist the public.
(A govt. situation, -particularlly here, not to mention over such a contested subject, will take forever.)

-In the private sectors of assisting the homeless there is a very distinct concern that you will hear.
-Though folks appreciate the food, or the assistance, --there is a concern regarding relig. institutions using the opportunity to care for others as a 'prostletyzing,' situation.
-Having worked with both relig. and non-relig. systems, I can see where both can be effective, and both can fulfill the needs, --in the manner of their calling.

--What is, (often resented, for lack of a better word,) would be the religious institutions (who often require chapel, and have other methodology that reflects their spiritual concerns for the homeless involved. (Considering that my personal beliefs involve looking at a person not just as a physical being, -but a spiritual one as well, --and realizing that healing has to happen in both areas of a person, I welcome the 'spiritual,' folks wanting to help, ---but am often appalled at the (awkward, at best,) theology that can be force fed.

--I think, considering the hew and cry that is often thrown up about fundamentalism dominating the effort, -that a more 'clear,' series of groups should pony up and help out.
FNB, -to my understanding is not religiously based.
(this is not to say that the folks who are in the various branches don't have their own views of spirituality, most of them seem to,) --but the emphasis would lie upon helping folks 'as they are,' and making sure that the most basic needs would be taken care of, --with no strings.

I don't know if 'no strings,' in Fresno will work on a grande scale.
I'd like to see it do so, but (for better or worse,) this is a very opinnion rich (how's that for a positive euphamism,) population.

The only real 'Idealism,' that works, when dealing with homeless and the severely poor has to emphasise taking care of folks no matter what their situation is, (whether they are snowing you or not, -because in the end, you really can't tell.)
-The Idealism also has to back off of such things as 'well, okay, we're going to help them, but what will they do with their lives from here?'
--This opens a pandoras box, (often cited with the religious,) In that there is supposed to be some sort of 'major life change for the better.'
--It also can splash up to the earlier situation of the guy who was kicking herion, but still is a pot-head.
-What sells is the 'gutter to suburbia' stories, where a person was in terrible shape, and in (as short a period of time, --with the least amount of expensive counselling/medical treatment/taxpayer money as possible,) --and then winds up, through the efforts of a particular group, well adjusted, working, happy, and a vital part of recognizable (and at the same time 'invisible,') 'everyday life.'
--That means that a person goes from criminal status, or heavy substance dependant, -or simply jobless and homeless, --to being a model citizen who pays rent, pays bills, drives a chevy, -and goes to the ballgame, (after the Bible Study.)
-Throw in a golden retriever, and reuniting with long lost grandkids and you have a movie of the week...

The truth of the matter is:
human conditions are hard to change, often fail the first of second time, --and are a percentage situation.
You may get someone off the street, you may get them into a job, and you may get them cleaned up, presentable and happy, ---but they are also part of their world, ---so they may go back into relationships and family, or neighborhoods or belief systems that throw them for yet another loop...

-Because the homeless population is going to explode with folks who are simply falling inbetween the wheels, financially,
--something has to be done and set up, like yesterday... A system needs to be in place, and it needs to be improved, -whether folks want to 'help out or not,' ---Why?
-Well, a stich in time saves nine,
--and a person who simply needs an upgrade in their occupation, a little renters assistance, and immed. help, ---can turn things around and be able to be back in the game. (That takes a definte system to help them as soon as possible.)
--If no system is there, -really, ---the individual can fall down, actually go down deeper, --and wind up staying down.

There will be long term homeless situations, there will be people who die as a result of their circumstances, and that is not going to stop any time soon.

There will always be homeless and poor.

Realizing this, and realizing that it's not an exact science with a happy ending at all times, (because nobody is going to all agree on what 'happy,' means,) --you really can't promote too many success stories to the general public.
-It's kind of like all the pissing and moaning about downtown.
--They can argue about Fulton Mall till the cows come home... But someone stepping in, taking a couple of run down warehouses, and just building something good with them, (well it aggrivates the 'system believers,' ---but it gets things done.)

I'd say the most important thing not to forget regarding poor and homeless, is that there is no such thing as perfection and 'rags to riches,' and 'every hooker having a heart of gold, --like we're watching 'Oliver,' or something.
These are real people.
They have real problems.
Some of these problems are pretty difficult to work with.

They're still people.
People can and will take advantage of every offer that is given them, (that is just human nature... If someone goes and sells gas at 1.00 a gallon on Blackstone at 3pm, --you can bet your boots that everybody will want to jump on it, ---rich and poor.)
-When someone is on the street, or someone is in a very difficlut life, (by their own actions, or anyone elses,) they will do what ever they can to get by, and get through. The nature of being homeless is being self reliant, and being opportunistic, it's very hard for them to really think in terms of 'future,' and it's hard to have patience when everything is 'right here, right now, what do I need.'
-What genuinely blows my mind is:
-the same folks who will say, '...hey, chop-chop, up and at 'em, the early bird gets the worm,' --will also not recognize this spirit when it's being simply used in a way that they don't admire.
(If they were Rich and advantageous, -'well, that's how you get rich, and keep your money,'

If they were mid-class 'well, you have to look out for your own life, it's a dog-eat-dog world out there.'

If they were poor '...well, they're taking advantage and looking for a handout.'

I am considering putting together a list of what would be required to really pull off homeless services... -but it's huge.
--And truthfully, it requires the help of a lot of different departments --and people in those departments (even within a municipality,) ---who WANT to help the homeless.

But it has to involve cooperation of not just local (private,) groups, but the police, probably area colleges, ---and what will clearly be understood by some as excluding some folks --and welcoming others. (IE: --who is Fresno really 'responsible for,' ---otherwise you'll have another situation like NYC, where the whole world came to get something.)

At this point, I'd advise:
-folks to contribute to the Food Bank, (Excellent people, fall is coming up, you could be a gleaner.)

Food Not Bombs could always use your help.

I'd seek out the folks who are a part of the Needle Exchange, and/or the rolling Medical Clinic if you have medical or direct care with at-risk groups.

I'd also contact the Fresno Metro Ministries, --who, despite being classified as 'ministries,' --are not 'religious,' in their drive, per se, -and are deeply involved with everything from making sure kids get food in schools (year round,) --to keeping an eye on the local medical clinics.

Another good group, (I'm hearing,) would be F.I.R.M. (who works heavily with Asian Pops.)

I think the best advice I could offer, at the moment would be to contact an area hospital (such as the VetHosp., or a Downtown hosp in a rough area, ask to speak to a social worker, --and explain your situation.
'...I'm concerned about poor folks, and am good with kids.'
or
'...I do great with old folks, and want to help with shut-ins.'
or
'...I don't know who to help, but I am fierce as anything with clothes and setting up closets..'
-you may find yourself behind the scenes and helping to fill out orders from a family of 6 who just got burned out of an apartment.'

Though the food bank is excellent, there needs to be satellite distribution points all over the city, (there are very few with very short hours.)

I've done all of the above, and am looking to go into chaplaincy and nursing --and intend to focus on high-risk groups and be on the street a lot.
Right now I'm helping folks rebuild their bikes on Saturdays... Having a ball, and there's always room for more...

I've heard that it's gotten better, -but in truth Fresno is still very disjointed in it's efforts.
It's getting better.
--It's still a wide-open enough situation where you can walk into something, see that there is a concern, and say, '...well, I can help here,' --and just go at it. (I'd recommend, however looking to jump in with a group that has experience.)

-and always keep in mind, '...what does this person really need? -not just what do they want, (and not what I THINK they need,) what do THEY need.

Final thought:
-When you do start something, be ready to do it for a long time, because once word gets out that you care, -and know what you're doing, (even if it's sorting donated clothes,) --you'll be needed, and needed to be consistantly there...

I think we can all talk ourselves in circles over whether or not we should help the homeless, or strive to find a better solution to their whereabouts within the city, etc. When I started this post I thought it might be able to be a great forum for brainstorming on more ways to help the homeless. I am fairly new to the Fresno scene, so hearing about Food Not Bombs is rad, and I am somewhat aware of the happenings at the Rescue Mission and the Poverello House, and those things are so great. I would love to get involved. But as downtown (we all hope and pray!!) is starting to be revitalized, the issue of the homeless is going to become even more of a political issue. Some local governments are taking charge on this issue and regulating people giving FOOD to the homeless!! See http://www.planetizen.com/node/21051 for the article. (Side note: www.planetizen.com is an AMAZING site for articles about urban planning and the like.)

So, in saying all of this, I hope that maybe by bringing enough discussion about this we might be able to really get a forum going about this whole homelessness issue. Its a really sensitive subject for some reasons, and I know so many people have such strong convictions one way or another, (and yes, we should set political parties aside...) and yeah, maybe there are a lot of homeless that are not taking advantage of the opportunities available in Fresno, but there are so many who need more opportunities....but really! Let's not give up yet. Out of the Void, you seem to have so much experience in this area, and it would be neat to hear your perspective on what should happen (and lets just say we are living in a hypothetical Fresno where lots of people care and it could be politically favorable). Because you know, who really knows the heart of the people in Fresno. Oh and one more thing, don't forget to check out http://outofthedoorways.org (Dignity Village website). Their bylaws (I think) are posted and available to read for anyone who thinks this is a chaotic idea.

...glad to see your 'milk of human kindness,' self up and at 'em so early...
--have to do a few things today, but I promise to get back to you on this when done, (didn't want you to think I was blowing you off..)

have a good one

Get yourself a journal and ramble there. Your comments go on and on and on and on and on ... forever. Come on, do you think anyone actually reads this stuff?

I will say that there is a difference between me and a homeless person. Your bleeding heart might want me to think otherwise, since we all breathe air and have feelings. But the difference is in the choices we make.

Given the choice, most of the homeless you want us to house and embrace make a choice everyday to stay drunk, stay dirty and stay out of any government program that would want them to give up their drugs.

I'd like to thank the (not signed in,) writer for quite clearly bringing forth the exact reason why, (if pursued and maintained by it's citizens,) Fresno will lag and see it's homeless and impoverished increase. (As well as why some folks look at happy valley more as 'caustic.')

Though there may have been an age of the 'wanderng gypsy', and a world where folks go on 'endless surfin' safari,'
(Which, Central and Northern Californians are so quick to point out. '...That's So.Cal That's So.Cal,,,that's not us, ....we're Midwesterners! Not those smelly hippies…')

-Aside from Missionaries, After two and a half decades of working with the homeless, I have never met a sane person who has actually chosen homelessness, nor is happy to be in that condition.
-Please note the word 'sane.'
(...So yes, I suppose you may be able to find someone to stand in front of you, tell you they're happy, sleeping on the stairs or taking baths in a library washroom,
-they may actually be very intelligent, (I had guys on my caseload that were former doctors and hardcore scientists, professors, etc.)
--but all were suffering from mental illness
-often made worse by their (now,) living conditions.
(...oh wait, scratch that, the definition of mental illness is 'excessive writing'... maybe two or three of my guys kept a journal...)
(They also loved to read... (always a bad sign.)

Maybe Fresno is different than the rest of the world, US, and rest of recorded history,
(...and I suppose all of those who were documenting all this time were all spinning in the name of bleeding heart liberalism...
(...a Conspiracy! those Damn Clintons, I tell ya...
No wait, it's Socialism! we want everybody to be broke, and call each other comrade!... curses, foiled again, I guess it's back to the USSR for me, (with Harrison, Lenin, McCarthy, and Sally Starr, and those other icons who've managed to thrive, despite the band having broken up a long time ago, and two of them dead...)

-Ms. Contrary -Do you believe that the slave traders were at fault?
Or were the natives simply not CHOOSING to run fast enough? (taunting them with their lack of clothing, abundance of tropical fruits, and pretty songs... If the good Lord wanted them to maintain freedom, he'd have dropped track shoes from the sky, Right?)
---of COURSE the homeless want to be homeless! It's just so damn atrractive and exciting to be penniless, never really clean, and be treated like vermin by nearly everyone...

-And the lies that are woven deeper than any XFile episode are this:
(ready?)
'...Most people live barely ahead of their bills. Most folks don't have a lot of savings, a lot of stocks and investments, and the bubble that most folks live on can be burst by everything from catastrophic medical expenses, Job loss, even divorce or housefire.
Most people also have substantial credit debt, and as the cost of living goes up, -kick out of a few of the abovementioned pillars, (some of which could include personal social structure and mental health,) --a person can find themselves homeless. It happens all the time.'

(-Such obvious nonsense, can't see how anybody would believe such horsefeathers..
-Thank you 'boot strap reader' for setting us straight, and delivering us from flawed logic.)

(Here, I'll spin more lies for you, watch out, I can type, and I am nuts, dontcha know...)

Unfortunately, the systems in place to assist a person who is in bad shape are way overloaded, often providing brief 'emergency services,'
-but not able to really correct things as deep as are needed.

-As more people are introduced to the system, (and for the flagwavers out there... guess what,
(-THESE would be 'good old fashioned, red blooded American worth helping out, folks' (who's lives are unraveling,)
the effort becomes greater, aid thinner, and the system in place will fail.
---That means, (for those of you who insist on blaming our nation neighbor to the south for EVERYTHING,)
-that there has been a very strong trend of US citizens who have had things happen.)
-and are not able to survive in their given area, --or any area,
who (shockingly,) have done nothing to warrant such circumstances (as a punishment,) and have not chosen their condition at all.

They may just be attracted to the better climate, and less likelihood of freezing to death,
(how dare they take advantage of the environment and be such temperature slackers, who do they think they are?
-just like everybody else who remains in this area??? -bastards!)

What may help (some,) homeless in an odd sense, would be knowledge among that they are not welcome, aren't seen as human, really, and would be better off anywhere else, --because of the 'pull yourself up by your own boots,' 'blame the victim,' attitude that is so wonderfully documented in your post.
This is part of the reason why the authorities act as they do, and why the public approves.
(Again, we are making the problem go away, (dealing with it,) NOT helping folks to do better...

-also, (shameless indulgent mental illness and socialist lie that it is...)

-I'd often get people at my desk (in NY,) from THIS area, (with the demonstrated mindset,) and they were a real bear to work with.
They were often proud, arrogant, pissed at the world, and full of self loathing, -because they had been raised to believe that their present condition (and all around them,) was a choice, or some sort of punishment,
-great, now we had THAT too to work with as problem.
Often the racism, classism, and hatred of others conditions drove them right over the edge, (they thought they were surrounded by flesh hungry zombies or something...)
-they'd get capitalized upon by others who saw their instability, flip out, go violent, and wind up in jail.
-Best case scenairo, they'd work harder to get away from all the people that they truly hated... it was ugly, but it worked for them.

There is a spectacular 'area derived hatred and intolerance for others' (to make oneself stronger, compare oneself to others,)
-that may work well here,
-but when you fall through here,
-you find that the rest of the world, has little patience with.

This town is not suited for the poor and the homeless. (It's quite true.)

I think it's, instead one spectacular gladiator match after another.
-Live well,
-compete your way to the top,
-build some sort of safety structure,
-and hope to god that it will protect you when your golden years (and that the working class poor,'...they Americans? They Better Be! Dammit, ain't gonna have some undocumented border hopper wiping my proud ass, no sir...'-never heard the nonsense you said before all you could babble was nonsense.)

(Who knows? Maybe there are elysian fields for those who've survived the dog-eat-dog in style,
-some sort of sanctuary and refuge on that end of your carnivore existence...
--we all know that clawing up ladders, rung by rung eventually brings us to heaven, (not just more rungs.)
-oops, wait, scratch that, -that place would mean care and compassion for the sick, weak, and addled, -and you don't believe in that, (at least not freely dispensed,)
-better keep climbing.

('On behalf of myself and the rest of the Firm, we would like to wish Good luck to you on your endeavours which will include earning all the grace, patience, care, and kindness that you will so desperately need!')
(...hope you keep the performace curve up, and don't begin to cost too much, because as soon as you do, well, business is business, and I don't think those dogs at your heels are named Benji, Lassie, and Rin-Tin-Tin.)

How 'bout this?,
-why not spend the next twelve months, twice a month, at a food pantry, --or at a soup kitchen...
Maybe donate some clothes -AND then even hang out to help folks find their size...
Hand out food... look each of them in the eye,
-smile and remind yourself how much they deserve to be where they are, and made their choices, --and how you've made yours.
-Do it Each time you ladle soup into a bowl,
each time, just to really drive it home...
-tell yourself quietly '…I hope they clean the streets of you,'
(-just don't say it out loud,, you know how dangerous hungry people are, plastic spoons and all...)

(It's a trick. -whole posting is a trick, in fact:
-there are secret codes embedded in this post to suddenly make you feel the need to wear patchouli lust for Volkswagen Micro-Busses, drop everything and run off and join the peace corps... Surrender Dorothy...)
-Actually, though I can't claim socialism as a fault, I am a Democrat, you caught me... 'course the radio collar they gave me at the state line makes it easy.)
(--and though being a Democrat is not automatic altruism and care for the poor, -I hear with every election campaign, from the Republicans, how 'the other side just wants to give our money away to those who are just looking to take advantage, --or aren't even United States Citizens.' ---I've never seen it as blatant as it is out here... That it's not challanged by even their own side is even more scarey.)

-Spending time with the poor and homeless might actually remind you that there really is little difference between folks.

-You might even begin to see them as something more than bugs that chose to smash into your windshield,(ruining your lovely palm tree'd view...)

PS.
Veterans services are provided completely by the US Govt.
-They've even relaxed some of the rules, and now branches that (formerly were not as recognized, and less time spent in them,) are qualifying for services, care, and treatment.
Some of the rules have changed.
-If you don't have a copy of your DD214 (Discharge Papers,) on hand, they can run what is called a HANK on you, verify your time of service, and hopefully get you covered.
(You do not have to have seen 'active duty, or combat' --you could have been assigned to watch a station wagon in dry-dock in Okla. -and it still counts.)
Uncle Sam tends to take pretty good care of his own, and a lot of homeless guys don't know that if they were in the service, they have a lot of benefits and opportunities set that other's don't.
It is not dictated to by the city or state.
If you know a Vet. pass this along to them, along with my thanks.

I think it's a shame when in order to form what we think is a well-reasoned opinion we must throw generalizations like "Republican mindset" out there.

Politics mean nothing when dealing with an issue of human life. I don't think the City code enforcement officials are going to be mugging homeless people and stealing their shopping carts. That's unrealistic. This is another round in the city's well-meaning (but somewhat ill-executed) beautification efforts.

As for the homeless problem in Fresno...the tent city should not have been demolished without some way of redirecting those living there to another place. I'm conflicted on the issue because with the goods that I donate to the poor and homeless, I direct them to a place where I know those that need and want help will get them. I'd much rather give my clothes and goods to someone who will need and use them rather than to someone looking to sell something to get their next fix.

Yes, there are those who don't want to be rehabilitated. Sad but true, and it's true everywhere. I can't fault the city or those working toward helping the homeless for redirecting their efforts toward those who will benefit from it.

People have to WANT to be rehabilitated. There's little any governmental or church based body can do for those who don't.

Saying the republicans or "most Fresnans" or whoever "don't care" is both untrue and unfair. I think a lot of us are just more inclined to help those who'll benefit rather than those who'll just take advantage.

WOW, i love this! a response to OotV that didn't use the word "dude".
There are countless strong views on what hampers Fresno's cultural status. I appreciate FF for providing a discussion area that is hopefully noticed by those in authority.
The major blame, I believe, is overt administrative focus on all things taxable and revenue producing. The homeless produce far less revenue (gov't aid) than the developers and traffic citations. When this town openly advocates better air quality, transportation options, and responsible growth, then it's possible to earn the respect and notice as Portland's.

First of all, some of you talk / type WAY too much. Get over yourself, already, and shut up! Find a way to present all of the words rambling around in your head in a more abbreviated way. Otherwise, we look at what you typed and think you're a blog hog. And we think you might have mental problems.

Someone named Madre dos Milagres wrote about this same issue just after Mother's Day, and you all tore her apart with things like "D.C." (or, S.F., or L.A. - several cities mentioned) have homeless and it's all one big happy family" type rhetoric. Face it! Most people who are homeless chose that life. Otherwise, they are working hard to find a way to NOT be homeless.

As far as a "Dignity Village" is concerned - there's NO dignity in setting people up in a happy little place where they can use illegal drugs and remain drunk all of the time. Especially if I'm paying for it.

And you poor soul, noting Fresno does VERY VERY little for poor, get over yourself! Pay attention! We spend millions of dollars every year feeding women, infants and children, providing pre-natal care, delivering babies, providing low income housing, free head start programs, free veterans programs, .... the list goes ON and ON.

Homelessness is sad. Being poor is sad. Those who really want to better themselves need to reach out to all of the resources available to them. The rest? Move them to Portland!!

Way to go Fresno!! Clean up the mess left by these people. Help the ones who need help, and let's encourage those who don't want help to go somewhere else.

First off, (to the orig. author of this,) my hat is off to you in your attempt to discuss what is a very multilayered concern.
That you are young and are looking to assist others is commendable.

-The trend these days has been showing a remarkable 'second-generation yuppie,' genre, --and yuppies are not noted for their altruism.
Usually they try to be responsible for their own behaviors, --and ascribe to a sort of Trickle Down benefit situation, (by building a bullish economy, buy building strong business, by building Capitalism -everybody benefits, --and eventually the little guy on the bottom gets bigger crumbs to chew on, and everybody sees a better opportunity.
(The arguement could be found in the easy quotes about how, 'if all the riches of the world would be evenly distributed, --we'd all be able to afford the largest starbucks coffees that we wanted, with exta goodies, for life, or some such thing...)

I do need to throw down a few items before proceeding.

1.) I know the other writers of this string.
One is probably my best friend in California (well, I've only been here a year,) the other nearly became a relative, is a great guy, has a good vision on what the valley needs (particularly in terms of mass transit,) and has grey cells (and grey hairs) that ar not only longer, --but rival mine in number and potency... (we've talked about this issue as well at other times.)
-We don't see eye to eye on everything, but we all do have a heart for other people, and all see the pitfalls of caring for them.

2. I personally have worked with the homeless and 'at risk communities,' professionally for years, probaby two decades or more when you tally it all up, (both in relig. and non-relig. environs.) --and in places that make Fresno look like a Backwater. (Former Case Manager for the largest Crisis Shelter in the City of NY, (1000+ beds,) --only men from 35 and up.) My caseload was triple what was considered 'sane.'

I say neither of those things to brag.
I'm saying it as an introduction.

There are several points that need to be understood.

A. The cadillac breaks down.

First, (having worked in both massive and also micro,) assistance efforts on both a municipal and private sector in terms of helping others:
-The motto of 'Field of Dreams,' definitely applies.
'...If you build it, they will come...'
-The system in New York City was known as the Cadillac of Homeless systems. I personally have worked with it on an intimate level, and can tell you that, once upon a time, you could arrive there, and come out the other side (within a year,) with
-a skilled trade and education boost.
-public assistance, (which meant some sort of a state provided wage, as well as medical coverage.)
-section 8 housing, (which was not subject to rent increase.)

There was a time when a person could make it to the city, sleep in a shelter, stay there, go through the various programs to learn everything from building maintenance, to auto repair.
There were programs based upon peoples former military service, nation of origin, mental capacity, ethnic background, health concerns, you name it, --and there was a program that you could check into, all while staying in huge dorms and getting your three hots and a cot.

We were telling our newcomers that they could be (conceivably,) in a single Room Occupancy, with benefits and all set up, --inside of nine months. (that was a quick turn around.)
---However.
The system is shutting down.
-Bloomberg is closing shelters left and right.
-Section 8 is logjammed with Women and Children in the system, and men are lucky if they get SRO's
-Not only are shelters shutting down, but a lot of hospitals that specialize in care for the mentally ill and severely ill are closing.
-Public Assistance is not being reimbursed at the rate of need, so it is (in some situations,) backed up in payment for up to a year.
-The rate of providing benefits has not kept up with the cost of living, --so a person in an SRO (where the rent is pro-rated and taken out of the benefits,) --means that a person is often left with a roof over their heads, --but only about twenty to fifty dollars a month to survive on for food and other expenses. (If you get employment that will pay you aboveboard --you will loose the benefits, and the rate of pay will not cover your rent, let alone your cost of living.
--This has resulted in the system slowing, as guys are not going after the SRO's (which is not Section 8, remember, section 8 is basically closed,) --which means:
-I had guys who were living in the shelter system (the ones that we could track,) sometimes upwards of 20 to 30 years.
(I wrote correctly, Years, not Months.)

It gets worse.
Most of the programs and support systems within the state and city shelters no longer staff enough people, --and are not really conducive to a learning environment. (In other words, -a lot of the programs that offer retraining actually can afford only a few people at a time, --and the rest tend to be 'cursory,' programs which get shut down and dismantled, often as soon as they are up and running, -because the staff are needed elsewhere, (I personally developed a course as a part of inhouse 'education,' system in the shelter, it ran for a month, and then was closed because the emphasis was then put on getting the 'long-term-stayers,' out of the system. (the guys who were there for decades.)

-Again, there are some private and church sponsored systems that a person can be spun off into, --but the recitivism rate is extremely high, so people go in and out of the homeless sytem in manhattan as a revolving door. (one of my specialties was tracking full case histories, as well as medical, legal, and mental histories of my clients.)
---Because the system at my Shelter was so overloaded, because we as workers were so overloaded, I can personally tell you that the place has to be either,
(a.) seriosly funded and given more staff, --as well as have a realistic prognosis for the homeless people therein, or
(b.) shut down.

-How can I say this?
Among my caseload, who were (many,) wonderful men, who had tremendous skills and histories, and simply needed an opportunity to really work,(which a lot of them tried and succeded at,)
--There was also a strong influx of people who were dodging the law, seriously mentally ill and dangerous, and heavilly addicted -NOT only to substances and maladaptive behaviors, --but to 'self-help,' and 'self-help groups,' that were not really working, -which they could manipulate with ease.
-I had major players in my place, on my caseload, and actually prevented a rape/murder in the months before I left the facility as an employee.
--This was done by stepping outside of the facility and mentality of 'these people just need help,' --and speaking to the police.
-It also cost me my job.

I say this not to scare folks,
-and I cannot say that the homeless around Fresno are 'bad, looking to commit crimes, dope fiends, and need to be shunned.'
(I also don't ascribe to this attitude of 'they just need to get a job, and they're slackers.)
--Many of these folks are facing crushing personal circumstances that prevent them from concucting a 'normal and healthy' life.

(I put 'normal and healthy,' in quotes, --because the 'average person,' often is healthy by way of support from others, or being able to get the help that they need via religious practice, medical assistance, and a strong network of healthy interraction. --normal is highly subjective, ---and truth be told, --if we all knew who we all were behind closed doors, -there would be eyebrows raised every ten to fifteen seconds...)
Someone (now,) facing their issues, and these issues being exascerbated by no suitable living space, and no medical attention, (and increasing corrosive environment,) --can become a threat to themselves and others quite quickly.)

In New York, the problem that we had was
-there was no real future to offer to many of these people.
-their own concerns caused them to crash, and putting them into a sytsem, (some of them,) only fostered further dependency. (Yes, it helped them in an immed. sense, --but it also created a crippling moebus strip and was not the leg up onto better things.)
--This is not 'taking advantage,' -this is human nature.
-We've always heard the phrase: 'why by the cow, when the milk is free.'
-this is true, --but look at the situation that most of them were in:
-A person who is in a compromised situation, who is barely hanging on and in distress, will have to
a.) first get the fires under control
b.) address the immed. issues,
c.) remain within the program that is meant to address the issues and d.) be able to go after the root concerns that have culminated in their lives crashing.
--Best case scenario -you are asking someone to rebuild the plane that they are flying in, --while it's flying,
-Reality: -the above, while also recovering from a crash.
--Any efforts extended to stablize this persons life will be gobbled up, (rightfully so,) --but can also end too soon -before the root issues are sorted out. -Resulting in further crash, more damage, and less trust of the person in anyone helping them.

-Again, realize that I had people arriving at my desk, in NY, FROM california and even other countries across the world, --because of what was rumored and was once the greatest system of helping the homeless, probably on the planet.
-It no longer is,
It is extremely dangerous, and I'd encourage anyone NOT to go there, as it's (again,) shutting down and becoming increasingly violent.)

B. Fresburg VS the World

As far as dealing with 'our homeless,' versus the entire world decending upon Fresno looking for a handout,
(which was an interesting scenario... I wasn't aware of Fresno being the destination of all, and, though I have some degree of civic pride, I must confess to having seen the masses moving elsewhere,)

-There really isn't too much that can be done in terms of determining who gets help and who does not.
-It could be based upon 'real ID,' or 'real citizenship,'
(But the problem is: most of these folks don't have that, or are not in the position to really be eligible on those terms, -part of why they are homeless.)

The reality of it is:
-once you start caring for people, you cannot stop.

Further reality, -despite the arguement of 'chicken or egg coming first,'
-The new Homeless are not 'simply winos,' or 'simply hobos or wanderers,' or simply dopers'
-They are a mix of people who are here undocumented
-People who have literally fallen between the wheels after falling off of living hand to mouth
-People who have come out of jail.
(The largest population of these, -surprisingly is folks who simply have been overtaken by lack of funds.)
--This means that this area, (which is one of the last affordable ones, I'm told,) will see more people come to it.
-It also means, -as prices go up, that more people will fall off and wind up homeless.
This means, massive growth of the homeless population, (because of the rising cost of living.)

-It also will grow,
as, once you start caring for people, --others will see that you care for people, and will come to be cared for.
-When you begin a system of caring, you will be known, and that will be taken advantage of (in good and bad ways,) by anyone.

If Fresno has the funds and resources to care for the homeless on a major scale, (as well as the will,) --I'm not seeing examples of it.

New York, (which has way more resources,) has gone from choosing to, --to choosing NOT to.
In some ways, municipally NOT getting involved means not starting something that will grow like wildfire and will be eventually shut down.
Fresno is preventing a monster, like it or not.

C. Who helps (city vs private or non prof.)

Private Business, -or Non-Profs. that have the resources and desire to care for the homeless, care for their needs, get them medical attention, psychiatric care, as well as better education/trade (actually,) can be an excellent alternative. --but the problem there is: Often times they are not loaded with money, Often times their methods can be unorthodox, --and often times when a person does not make the grade in the (private sector,) system, -they are simply expelled.
(For a person who has mental illness issues, -which can take years if not decades to sort out, it's like trying to fly, fix yourself, --and having bent parts to begin with, ---now with (often,) strong religious and social ramifications.)

From a municipal business aspect, the benefits of helping the homeless has to reach critical mass, --and be less expensive than NOT helping.
(Example, -lots of homeless causing visual and social concerns, driving people away from civic areas, costing money for city, creating a hazard. (Petty Crime issues, etc.)
-answer: put them in shelters away from the city, (clears out city of 'problem.') ---basically moves the problem to where it's out of sight. --not solving it, (but) allowing city to generate funds (with new 'safer,' environ. downtown, --which keeps homeless 'not homeless,' --but in shelters away from the money-making areas...)

Fresno has NOT reached that point yet.
(It's kind of like the mass transit issue.)
--The wealthy and those who can afford the issue, and rely on their own resources can, --and will go the path of least resistance.

(Back to the private org. stepping in to help.)
--An org. that is based upon Social Services (meaning assisting people,) COULD make a difference if it had the funds to truly help people turn their lives around. ---but where does that money come from?
--keep in mind, the trend of human behavior is not looking out for everyone else, -but looking out for self. (This means less benefactors in areas where 'self,' is the key importance.)
--keep in mind, also,
-the municipality does not want to encourage a program which will promote others to come and seek this help (the 'If you build it, they will come... syndrome.)
--so there will be an aversion to 'creating further concerns,' -by the municipality, --and (like we had in NY, --situaitons that look like potential 'exploitatable,' issues, (the training,) will be clamped in favor of '..get 'em out by Friday.'

When facing something as sticky as the caring for others, there has to be some hard facts seen.
-Caring for others is very very expensive.
--You will loose money by careing for others even if the 'yeild-results being beneficial,'
Best case scenario is not even seen as a win-win all the way around.

-It gets worse when the people that you are lookign to help out are seen as a threat, or a drag on the economy
--not a group to be salvaged in a societal sense.
(When I mean 'salvaged,' -I mean going from a financial burden, to a viable tax paying consumer in society.)
-again, --though people are priceless, -they are seen as a detriment and drain if they are not 'contributing somehow.'

This, again, points us back to groups that understand this, and can put the money into programs, spend the time with those who have such concerns,
--and are able to show some sort of 'happy ending,' to the problem, (otherwise they are going to be seen as making it worse -and enabling maladpative behaviors.)
-They can actually do something... but will they?

D. Action and Mindset

I am not an advocate of creating a monster, and making things worse, But
-yes, I do feel that there is a responsibility of people for each other,

(-unless of a pagan nature, admit to freely being about the worship of themselves, --and admit to being all about life by chomping up the foodchain, -which has no moral responsibility, and frees one of all the trappings of society, resulting in (all sorts,) of cannibalsim. To those I wish: best of luck, and hope that someone kinder than yourself is around when you stumble, as all humans do.)

Still, you cannot feed the world from a Fresno Kitchen,
-but immed. aid has to be offered, (serious,) systems of rehabilitation and empowerment have to be offered, (not just 'life support,' involvement,)

I see some groups stepping up to do this in Fresno, --but not nearly enough, --keeping in mind, we don't want to open the floodgates (as has happened in NY.)
I also see the greatest opportunity in helping out coming from religious and private groups.

-This does not mean success, but it may mean someone who (at least, initially,) will want to really help others out,
-as well as have the funds and mindset, (as well as imperative) to do so.

-But, one aspect, has to be paid attention to, and (to an extent,) put away.
The area is centric to 'success determining value.'
(We are aware of how 'good scores sell.')
--how often do you hear
'fresno property, but zoned Clovis School District.'

-I had a (part time,) pastor explain how he worked with his church... he said that he was getting so much flack from the congregation for 'spending so much time with the people of the congretation who had so much problems, '...you are wasting our time, and our tithing on loosers.'
-So now, he goes with a motto that speaks of not 'making winners out of loosers, -but winners into champions,' or something...
(-The success rate is higher, the funds are there, and the whole thing is soooo affirming,
(for those who really DON'T need the help to begin with.)
-it's kind of a social eugenics.

-It also abandons the poorest and those who simply cannot help themselves.
It's total performance based and performance justtified focus, it's blood chilling,
--and it will NOT work when dealing with people who are so challanged.
Like it or not, everybody has issues, some more than others, and there is no such thing as a hundred percent success rate when it comes to people... sorry.

-Churches and groups have to want to help others, not have a judgemental 'are they worth it or not,' attitude,
--and cannot further social darwinism (Social Darwinism IE survival of the fittest,) has to be abandoned,
(In this area: such a practice is the rule.)

This is why I am saying that (if only,) religions that claim to care about other people ACTUALLY start doing so,
(and unconditionally,)
-there will be some hope and some improvement.

-Otherwise, it will be removal of an entire genre of society, (the poor and severely poor,) --because we don't want them around.

E. Final

A while back, Greece was attacked because it was removing all of the dogs from Athens and surrounding areas. (cited as health concern,)when prepping for the Olympics.
-This meant euthanizing.
--These were just dogs, --and people flipped out, (it was an awful situation.)
--Fresno (thank god, is not treating it's poor with such hellish measures,)

-It is being faced with a problem.
'...we want a nice town, we want nice things, we want nice neighborhoods, --but we have all these poor people and homeless that sully up the landscape..' what do we do?

-There are two choices:
1.) Treat them like dogs, (herd them on, clear them out, or let them wander off or starve, (or worse, do things that indirectly will cause them to become extinct.)
or
2.) Actually step up and help them, (regardless of whether they are helpable or not,) --and develop programs and situations where they are given a shot.
-they have already shown that they cannot make it in regular society unassisted.
-they will require lots of help that they cannot pay for.
-some of them will be ungrateful, and may never 'ammount to anything.'
-some of them, --even in best form may not be likable.

But they are still People, and they are worth far more than dogs.
(DEAL WITH IT.)

I find it very very interesting:
-The people in a town that claims such a high rate of Christianity among it's citizens, completely disregards a direct quote, (two actually,)
by their (supposed,) leader
and (supposed,) Model
and (supposed,) Love of their life:
-'The poor you will always have among you,'
-'Whatsoever you do to minister to the poor, sick, weak, and helpless, You have done to me.'

Wasting time clouding the waters and indulging in the (poorly veiled,) judgements of
'...well, they want to be there,'
'...well, they are not responsible.'
'...well, do they really deserve the help.'
'...well, they'll only take advantage.'
-etc...
Fresno (as individuals, and as a city,) is practicing a very effective form of passive-aggressive euthanasia.
(Call it what you want.)

In reality, you cannot make distinctions on caring for others (or not,) based upon the arguements that are presented so often.
'...they're not from here,'
'...they're not naturalized.'
'...they only want to be helped, -and not help themselves.'
They are people. That's it.
Nobody gets any better or worse than being that.

We are actively seeking to help others, and see recover and do well, (in this case,)
or we are choosing to look away, 'let nature take it's course,' and feigning innocence.)
-again, social darwinism, and passive-aggressive Euthanasia.
You've known the answer all along, and you've chosen to hem and haw, because you don't want to do anything, and just plain don't like these people.
-At least face those who you are throwing cinderblocks too, (instead of life-preservers,) -so they can see who is helping them to drown. (Have SOME guts.)

(Nevertheless,
-I'm sure the Lord is happy to hear our praises and petitions on Sunday Mornings.)

One group people might want to look into locally is Food Not Bombs.

If you go to Roeding Park between Storyland and the tennis courts on a Saturday afternoon, you'll see people serving free vegetarian meals to whoever shows up---often folks in need, but you see all types mingling which is cool. You also might find them distributing donated clothes,sleeping bags and even repairing bicycles.

A fun way to check out this group and talk to people engaged in these types of concerns would be to come to their party/fundraiser/concert thing that's happening in a few weeks over at Full Circle Brewery (early evening on Sunday, Sept.24th).
I don't feel bad shilling for this event, cuz none of the bands are making any money off of this anyway.

There will be music,a free (vegetarian) chili cook-off and general frivolity. [music featured:----WeWalkAndDrive, Blake Jones & the Trike Shop, Julia Dawn]----and since folks engaged in such activities are usually affiliated with other groups as well, it'd be a time for folks who wish to explore and learn about becoming involved in a local social action group.
You can learn more about Food Not Bombs and their events at:
http://www.myspace.com/fresnofnb

But you should really mark this event on your calendar and come by and enyoy and say 'hi'.

What a comment. Or should I say comments!! You had a ton of good points, and I agree with you that it is human nature to pretty much care only about ourselves. And chances are the taxpayers of Fresno will not give a damn about funding a program for the homeless. The beauty of Dignity Village in Portland is that I believe the only money the city might of had to front is for the land, but even that I am not sure of.

Another thing. In my research of homelessness the statistics I found seemed to all say that about 1/3 have mental issues, and about 30-50% struggle with alcohol and/or drugs. What is surprising and also tragic is that about 20% of the homeless are children, which absolutely breaks my heart.

My concluding response to your comments: being young, I have to stay optimistic, for Fresno, for my generation, for the homeless. Yes, helping out at shelters and for all of those non-profits is great and I love to do it, but the real change lies in the system, and in the hearts of the taxpayers. The poor and the homeless in Fresno cannot just get up and go to a city where the system might serve them better, or where they might be more accepted by the general population. I hope we can stay optimistic on this issue, that there is hope that we might be able to convince our policymakers or become the policymakers ourselves.

The major problem of addressing the problem is that when you provide something to the homeless it encourages others for the free handouts and the word quickly spreads throughout the entire country that people can get something for nothing and people flock in droves for the freebies. The example is: how long it took, for that area the City shut down last week-end, to escalate and become the serious problem that required the City of Fresno to kick everyone out. It only took a very short time to grow to the proportions that required City intervention. It was not a serious problem two months ago. I drove the area less than two months ago, there were only a few people there. Two weeks ago when I drove the area, there were so many people camped during the day they were crowding near the street.

When an area gets a reputation that people can camp out on someone else's front yard it becomes irritating to the people that already live there. One of the neighbors, in the Bee article, said he walks out his front door in the morning to that not-so-nice aroma of stale rotten urine.

The local ag people are complaining about the labor shortages (an annual event), however, looking around Fresno there is an over-abundance to people that don't want to work. The welfare office is always crowded. The line to free money, including free places to stay is longer than the would-be lines for people willing to work.

I agree the issue needs to be addressed, it is just that the solution needs to be objective and consider both sides.

It is the nature and common practice of the homeless to roam. The homeless roam because they choose to not be burdened with the responsibility of having a home. Is it Fresno's obligation to provide a living facility to everyone? How much space should every person be allotted? Is it also then the citizens of Fresno's obligation to provide a place of shelter for everyone who asks? Will this burden of obligation upon the citizenry of Fresno include only legal residents of the US or will it allow all people of the Earth and their pets? If it is to include all people, then there should be room for over a billion people because there is a lot of poverty spread over the world and that is a lot of mouths to feed. Who will be burdened to feed all these billions of poor people? To be fair you can not leave anyone out.

The discussion has to include the dialog of personal responsibility.

There are a few things that have to be acknowledged, even if they are ugly.

1. Fresno is not comprised of a mentality in the majority of it's people who truly care about the poor. They care about their own lives, and improving their own lives, --and moving up.
Even if they are not looking to move 'up,' they really aren't too enthusiastic at throwing money or time into those who are poor.

2. Fresno has a very very small degree of services for the poor, (including the homeless,) and most of them are overtaxed.
Because the average Fresnan is not really looking to help the poor, this will not really change any time soon.
-There are new people all the time who help the poor.
There are also people who burn out and need to simply rest, --having shouldered the burden for so long.

3. Most Fresnans, -including the community leaders, if they are bieng honest, will tell you that
A.) building a good system to take care of the poor will help them in an immed. sense.
B.) it also brings in others from surrounding areas to 'get help too.' --use your head, --if a gas station was giving away gas, (and everybody needs gas,) --do you think word would get out?
---So they are not looking to build a system where the homeless, (who are not seen as a benefit to society,) are going to be helped, --because it means
-taxpayers money going to others and (not) bettering the city
-taxpayers money going to (arguably,) furthuring others dysfunctional behavior.
-taxpayers money also being used to draw more people who 'need,' into the city, --rather than drawing those who 'contribute.'

4. The homeless and the poor are seen as a drain by most Fresnans.
It's a Republican MindSet. ---wait around any election year, and you will hear (always,) about the Democrats looking to give away 'hard earned American Dollars' -to programs, --and how that's everything from (a.) poor stewardship, (b.) bad business, (c.) furthering soemone's problems by rewarding them with free stuff.

5. For better or for Worse, this town thinks about itself.
It may work hard, it may not, -but it's not all wrapped up in lavishing care for poor people, and it's not intersted in lavishing any care on the homeless.
-They simply want the problem to go away, --that is far different than working with the problem, and helping people to have solvent and positive lives.

6. In your comments you stated that most of the homeless are addicted to various substances, and have problems that have caused them to be so.
--in Fact, most of America is addicted (in the classic sense,) to something, --and many are able to have their personal issues dealt with by traditional means that are viewed as 'acceptable,' by society.
--Most people who are homeless these days, simply are so because they have lost jobs, and have fallen under the wheels.
-Yes, people in this situation can fall into difficult mental states because they are now under such dire circumstances, --this can exascerbate and bring out substance abuse, and mental health conditions, --and it's a quick spiral.
--but the percentages of people who were living 'normal lives,' --who wound up homeless due to circumstances beyond their control, --or due to things bunching up on them, is remarkably high.

7. Despite what anyone will tell you, people are not happy when they are 'riding on the system.'
-I hear people make the comments of 'they're set, they have three hots and a cot, they're living off welfare and taxpayers money, --they have nothing to complain about...'

8. In reality, -each person has a different standard of what comprises a happy life.
-To go even more to the bone, ---each has a standard of what is considered an acceptable life.
Nobody wants to be homeless, Nobody wants to live in a shelter, and nobody wants to live in a life that is thought to be 'slumming it.' Nobody.
--Again, everybody wants to live decently
--Now, whether they have circumstances beyond their control, --or whether they have circumstances within their control, --but emotional issues that cause them to sabotage their own lives, --they are still in need of help and still wil require assistance.
-Will they get it?

Not here.

9. First, this is a conservative Republican Town, that is very religious In a Christian Sense,) --the problem is, the credo of most of the religious in this town is very 'manifest destiny,' ---it's Not 'God give me the strength and wisdom to help the poor,' --but 'God helps those who help themselves.' (Not a Bible Verse, actually..)
--This affects the govt. too.

10. Because of this mindeset, There are too few people who are able to be non-judgemental and selfless and simply help someone because they need it.
(The best I often hear is this 'tough love,' 70's horseshit, where (yes, some folks, do respond and rebound,) --but a lot more don't, --and when they fail, --they go down hard, --and have a lot of self-blame and stigma attached by the system that should have helped them.

11. Interestingly enough, --until people actually need mass transit (like NEED,) they aren't going to go after it in any major form, either, ---because mostly the poor and underprivilidged need to use it.

The best thing to do, in my opinnion, is to find a group that actually works with the homeless.
Then set your boundaries, 'I will help this group do X' for X amount of hours.'
-Then go and spend time helping others.

Realize a few things.
You are not going to change everything.
You will see and hear a ton of injustices.
You will also see and hear a ton of bullshit on both sides, (both the people who need help, --and those who give it.)
-But you will have the opportunity to help someone, --and they may take it and do great things, --or they may take it and become dependant upon help, rather than (choose,) or (be stuck with,) assistance. ---You have no control over what others do, and really need to understand that.

You could be an emergency room doctor, -work your ass off to save someone's life, get them all back from the brink of death, --and they could walk out and accidently get hit by a bus on the day that they were discharged. (I've seen stuff like this happen.)

Because Fresno has such limited resources to help the poor and homeless, --they really would be better off moving on and going to where there is a better system.
-They also need to take advantage of any offer maid, --and try to grow into a healthier life.
-Many will not, -but some might.
Most people in this town will not care past the sentence on the news. '..a homeless man died in a bus accident.' (oh, how sad.)
or '..the homeless had lunch at Pavorello for Thanksgiving.' (oh, that's nice,)
--truth be told. Most folks really don't care, ---and you cannot make them care, (they get annoyed when you tell them that they don't --because it makes them seem uncaring... they care, but about their own lives.. not others.)
This is normal human behavior.

You can do something yourself, and that's who you get to be responsible for, anyway.

If you are part of a faith group or a church, mosque, synogogue or (whatever,) that has people who want to help the homeless, --get the group together, and check out such groups as Catholic Charities and the like, --and see if you can do something in terms of a food pantry or clothing pantry, -free meals, -etc.
-If you are an individual, check out such groups as Salvation Army, Food Not Bombs, CAFE InfoShop, (etc. etc,) --and just be there when they need help.
--Realize your own starting and stopping points, don't look for anyone to thank you, --and just be there because you feel led to be there, --and then go home and get some rest.

Bottom line?
Until this town, (meaning the wealthy and well to do,) actually start to literally care, (as in fork over the money, spend the time, and be devoted to doing this on a continual and steady basis,) --they don't really care about the poor, --and the poor may need to get on up out of here, -and go to where things are a bit easier.
It will take a huge shift in the mindeset of Fresnans on a grande scale for this to be otherwise.

That's just life.
And life is not always a Disney Movie with a happy ending.

The council agenda for today says that this is a bill, introduced by Autry, Calhoun, and Perea, relating to abandoned shopping carts in the city. According to the agenda, this item was up for introduction. I didn't listen to the council broadcast word for word, but from what I understood, they seemed to pass it. I am not sure what that implies, if it has to go up for more discussion, or if it will be incorporated into the Fresno Municipal Code, or what exactly this will imply for the homeless. I am not sure if the Bee is going to write about this, either way, I will have to check the council minutes tomorrow (if they are ready)to see what the deal is.

so what was the "discussed and approved a mayor (major) initiative to take action on the shopping carts laying around town?"