Homeless camping ordinance just adds to the misery

I am opposed to the proposed camping ordinance targeting homeless people in Fresno. Making homeless people’s lives more difficult and miserable by passing this ordinance is not going to solve the problem. It will be another step down the failed path of “tough love” that has pushed the homeless into every part of this city, but has not helped them or ended homelessness.

There is an alternative. Did you know that by providing the homeless with the social services they need and by having adequate, affordable housing we could save tax dollars and dramatically reduce homelessness? Why is this Housing First approach working in some places, but has failed miserably in Fresno?

For the homeless people who Councilmember Steve Brandau claims are resistant to offers of help, there needs to be a safe and legal place where they can live. This should be a place that includes portable toilets, trash bins and drinking water.

If we were to take the alternative path I’m suggesting, the homeless would be treated with dignity and respect. Neighborhoods would be cleaner and more homeless would get off the streets. Taxpayers would save money.

This story was originally published August 18, 2017 at 4:40 PM with the headline "Homeless camping ordinance just adds to the misery."