JIM DAVIS, San Clemente
We live in San Clemente and love it.
The homeless issue is a sad and complex one. Among the homeless, we have three main groups: the mentally ill, the substance abuse group, and the independents.
We have several mentally ill people out on our streets here in San Clemente. I have talked to several of them.
Very sad, as they need help, but you can’t force them to take it. Most need to be on medication and in a safe place but, again, they cannot be forced to take their meds nor into a shelter under current laws.
The drug addicts and alcoholics are also an issue; it is almost impossible for them to be put into a shelter, as they feel very uncomfortable if they can’t have their dope or drink.
The last group, the independents, they simply like to be that way; they might come to a shelter but most likely not stay because they don’t like rules.
Now there is a fourth group, which is a minority—those who lost their jobs and are out on the streets. They would likely benefit from staying at a homeless shelter.
No simple solution. There is hope, which is another issue.
