Re: “Paso says Salinas Riverbed is a public safety emergency”

I have been homeless. I understand how people get trapped in this cycle of homelessness. The cost of living is unreal. Folks on SSI or other fixed incomes cannot afford to live here. SSI pays $900/month. These are PEOPLE. People who don't know where their next meal or shower will come from. People who cannot get jobs because they don't have access to regular showers and clean clothes. People who are looked down upon, judged, treated as less-than, and shuffled around by police. The shelter has huge waiting lists, and if you are lucky enough to have a bed, you are kicked out at 7am. These people have nowhere to go. They are PEOPLE. They deserve just as much compassion & respect as you and I. How about instead of "dealing with vagrants", we pray for them and reach out a helping hand? Hire these people, feed these people, HELP these PEOPLE. These "vagrants" are veterans, mothers, fathers, sons, , friends, and just some regular folks who fell on hard times. Share your blessings. Remain open minded.