ANITA PENNER, Capistrano Beach
Regarding the article about the longtime residents at Vista Del Mar Apartments who are being evicted to make room for homeless people, I was so astonished that I sat down to write my first-ever letter to an editor. Let us consider the current residents who have worked hard to supply shelter for themselves and their families, including perhaps extended members such as aging or sick parents and grandparents. It’s hard work and sometimes requires them to clench their teeth in order to succeed at jobs that keep their families off the street. When we see these hard-working people, we feel compassion. They should be supported in their struggle. In my opinion, it is a waste of energy to support those, like the homeless, who live only for themselves and forget about others. You can be sure this so-called charitable act for the homeless will enrich a select few at the cost of making life difficult for the many who are being evicted. I hope that an in-depth investigation into the “real” purpose of buying up those apartments is conducted by the city’s legal department. Residents of San Clemente should insist on it.
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Anita, I don’t defend Friendship shelter’s choice here, but want to correct something you said. You said, “…like the homeless, who live only for themselves.” This is a very unfair and false stereotype. Firstly, I don’t know who would fall into this category at all, but even assuming some would, surely not all would. AND the people who are eligible for Permanent Supportive Housing (what Friendship Shelter is providing) are poor DISABLED people who have been chronically homeless. SO many people on our streets are disabled, and can not, without help, succeed as the rest of us do. They are living on the streets or in shelters because they are poor and disabled, and because they do not have adequate family support. Imagine all the disabled people you know who are ok because they have someone with money helping them. Imagine those people without loved ones who can help them. It’s not right to leave disabled people on our streets!
Please understand, when looking at this issue, that while it is not all-around cool what’s happening, it is about helping people who genuinely need help. Let’s criticize the choice without maligning the needy people Friendship Shelter is trying to help.