Thursday, July 31, 2008
Representative Maxine Waters is Right On!
In the article “US Reports Drop in Homelessness” by Rachel L. Swarns printed in the New York Times of July 30, 2008, Congresswoman Maxine Waters is quoted saying: “While this is great news, we cannot rest because there is much that remains to be done.”
If only for a moment, there is a sense of progress helping the chronically homeless of Los Angeles. A decline in chronic homelessness is something we should all be applauding. Housing first or housing second, both work! Both require intervention and supportive services. Both are needed today, tomorrow and for the foreseeable future.
Let’s celebrate whatever good news we can find in these times. Then as Michael Stoops suggests in the same article, “we should be focused on ending homelessness for everybody.”
These are not easy times. There are tired new faces at our doorstep needing help. They are not chronically homeless yet. With guidance and support we hope their bout with homelessness is short. The number of people served at the Los Angeles Mission is increasing. The faces and stories are new but the sense of frustration and hopelessness are familiar specters.
The Los Angeles Mission continues to serve all who come to us in need. We are here to help as long as we are financially able. We have been here over seventy years in good times and bad. We will be here until there are no more persons in need. We will serve with dignity and offer hope along with tangible assistance.
--Herb Smith, President
