By Janet McCleary
Arizona Daily Wildcat
September 25, 1997

Solution to homelessness includes compassion

Editor:

I do not know where Eric E. Clingan gets his ignorant and stereotypical ideas about the homeless. Contrary to his beliefs, all homeless people are not "drug-abusing, filthy deviants." The vast majority of homeless people are homeless because they have either lost their jobs and been evicted from their homes, or are mentally or physically disabled and can find no work. And yes, many of them are alcoholics, but alcoholism is a disease like any other. And these people will never become productive if they do not receive the help and encouragement that they so desperately need.

Being homeless is not a crime. And I doubt very much that most homeless people enjoy living such a hard and degrading life.

In light of this, Mr. Clingan's suggestion that beggars be arrested for loitering on street corners is ridiculous. Treating these people like criminals because they are down on their luck does nothing to solve the problem of homelessness. In addition, forcing them to pick up other people's garbage is only further humiliation for these already mistreated people-not to mention the fact that it is virtually impossible for minimum-wage earners to make a living. Giving these people degrading jobs that barely pay enough to pay for rent and utilities does nothing to improve their self-esteem or motivate them to try to pull themselves out of the depths of the despair of homelessness.

Mr. Clingan should realize that a great number of people are only one paycheck away from homelessness, and it could happen to anyone. And once a person loses their home, it is extremely difficult to get back on his or her feet. That is why the solution to homelessness must include compassion, and not ignorance.

Janet McCleary
Undeclared sophomore