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Letter to the editor

Guest Column

It is time for homeless to choose

By BILL FOSTER
Published December 9, 2007

During this holiday season, I took time to reflect on all of the things I am grateful for, and I gave thanks to my Heavenly Father for all of life's blessings and challenges.

Then my focus turned, once again, to the plight of the homeless. What happened to their dreams, their opportunities, their freedoms, and what are we to do about it? I have met some remarkable souls on the street, who, through no fault of their own, have ended up without a home. Loss of job, loss of spouse, medical problems, deficiencies in the mental health system, poor economy - all of these can contribute to the plight of our homeless, and we must, as a civilized society, provide hope and care to meet the needs of these citizens.

On the flip side of this issue are those who become homeless through some action or inaction of their own. In general, lives don't crumble in a day, but intervening events that lead to a life on the streets are gradual, and come as a result of missed opportunities and a series of poor choices: a choice to drop out of school; a choice to try drugs or alcohol; a choice to commit a crime; a choice to run away; a choice not to work.

You see, I have a real hard time feeling sorry for those who choose to live on the street. Those are the ones who refuse assistance by the city and other agencies because the assistance comes with strings.

Pinellas Hope is designed to help people get off the streets and will provide a safe environment for persons and their belongings. At Pinellas Hope, people will find safe food and shelter, toilet and shower facilities for proper hygiene, access to clothing and social services, and most of all, an opportunity for a productive life off the streets. In tight budgetary times where taxpayers are saying enough is enough, this facility is the most efficient use of our resources, and I thank God for Catholic Charities and the Sheila Lopezes of the world who use their time, talent and money to help those who choose to be helped. However, to utilize the services of Pinellas Hope, there are rules to abide by, and unfortunately, many will choose not to go because of rules or location.

My rub involves the demands of those self-serving, self-proclaimed prophets of doom who preach a resistance to an opportunity for life off the streets. These people don't actually live on the streets, but they will fight for your right to sleep on a sidewalk, and will demand that we provide assistance on their terms or face national embarrassment. Shame on them. No one should have to live on a sidewalk, but it is decision time. Choose to accept our offer toward becoming a productive contributor of society, or choose to live your carefree lifestyle somewhere else. Choose to accept our offer for social services, mental health care, substance treatment, food and shelter, or choose a sidewalk away from St. Petersburg.

Yes, in America one may choose not to participate, but I, too, have a right to say enough is enough. The sidewalks and parks belong to all of us, but most residents cannot enjoy Williams Park or Mirror Lake. Yes, you have a right to be homeless. The world is your oyster, but it is not your toilet. You may choose to sleep on a sidewalk, but you do not have a right to defecate on the sidewalk or on the steps of City Hall, or leave your litter and trash for others to clean up.

I fully intend to support Pinellas Hope with my time and talents and intend to be a part of the solution. I intend to lobby for more resources to address our social, medical and mental health challenges. However, I also intend to support all ordinances dealing with the use of tents or bedding on the city right of way. Pinellas Hope will be managed and governed by those providing the services, but I am sure that there will be room for leadership by those demonstrating the ability to make good choices in their care and well being. Please give it a try.

It is decision time. What choice will you make?

Bill Foster is a member of the St. Petersburg City Council.

[Last modified December 8, 2007, 22:27:48]