Homeless Deaths Rise; County Prepares to Look at Mental Health

» cause of deaths? on 01.24.10 @ 03:32 PM

I’m confused- did they die of hypothermia? i see the risks lots of these people take every day- drugs, alcohol, violence,——and millions of dollars are spent on homeless shelters and services- which they refuse to go to so again I’m confused- will they go to a “warming shelter” when they won’t go to a “homeless shelter”.....tragic indeed—but must there always be fingers pointed in such a holier-than-thou manner?

You don't have permission to flag this entry.

» Michael Foley is part of the problem on 01.24.10 @ 03:56 PM

all he does is point the finger at others- hey mike YOU and your shelter are the ones getting LOTS OF MONEY for outreach as well as shelter——maybe someone else needs to step in who isn’t always preaching to others but rather digs in and finds solutions

You don't have permission to flag this entry.

» More Beds Needed on 01.24.10 @ 05:55 PM

The Cacique Street Shelter has been full for 20 straight days.  Outreach cannot deliver people to beds that don’t exist. It will take many weeks to determine the casue of death of the last three people.  But it is now conformed that “Freedom” died of hypothermia in the alst major storm. At warming shelters people walk in and sit or lay down on the floor to stay warm - period.

You don't have permission to flag this entry.

» John Q on 01.24.10 @ 07:56 PM

Let Ken Williams open up his home. Demand funding. What the hell are you thinking, California is BROKE. Doesn’t take a dummy to figure that out.

You don't have permission to flag this entry.

» SB Res on 01.24.10 @ 09:46 PM

We need to do more for the homeless?....BULLCRAP…. It’s time for the homeless to do something for the taxpayers! like get off their butts, get a job and stop expecting hand outs.

You don't have permission to flag this entry.

» Ken Williams on 01.25.10 @ 07:26 AM

“let the thinning begin.”  Is these what we,ve become?  Actually calling for the deaths of people?  Is this our final solution to the homeless problem?  This comment has really gone over the line.  These are human beings that are dying: in many cases our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, our own children.  There should be a civilized way to discuss this issue—-calling for death for the homeless is NOT such a place.  Are the mentally ill, war veterans, in fact homeless children to die to satisfy some who tire of the poor amongst us?

You don't have permission to flag this entry.

» JAX on 01.25.10 @ 08:30 AM

These recent deaths all involve the consumption of large amounts of alchol.  When one’s blood alcohol level from alcohol poisoning is high enough they are far more susceptible to weather related death from exposure! In fact, at high enough levels, one dies from the alcohol poisoning itself, much like drug overdoses.

As far as outreach goes, it was attmpted.  Very recently, when a team of “Doctors Without Walls” went out into the homeless community and attempted to get homeless into shelter, they contacted aproximately 50 homeless and were only successful at getting 6 to do so.  The others refused to go. 

As far as lack of beds, UNTRUE! The Rescue Mission adds 50 additional cots when weather conditions merit and provides shelter to homeless without the normal requirements of sobriety, participation in structured rehab and other things that are normally required including any religious programs, etc.  During this recent weather episode at least 20 available cots remained unfilled.

The liberal/progressive/sympathetic cadre, quick to criticize the many efforts and programs now being provided for free to this segment of the “homeless” (street people) either are badly misinformed, or they are twisting facts to promulgate their biased agenda!

This group steadfastly refuses to admit that this segment of the chronic “street people” or so called transients, DO NOT WANT TO GO INTO SHELTER. They want to stay outside and drink, do drugs socialize with their sub-culture or just be alone!

If the police, or others had the power to arrest them, and force them into confinement shelter, these same “do gooder” folks would be screaming about the violation of the “civil rights” of the chronic homeless!

They shouod not criticize the existing government agencies or private groups who are doing as much as they can.  As the old adage says, “You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make them drink!

You don't have permission to flag this entry.

» city on 01.25.10 @ 10:11 AM

here’s what the City of Fresno does. Has to reach 36 degrees or below to trigger. also saw stuff from city of portland, city of davis——

You don't have permission to flag this entry.

» JAX on 01.25.10 @ 11:17 AM

Pathetic;

There are more deaths in the chronic “transient” (actually this is more like an oxymoron) population because Santa Barbara has more and more of this population HERE.  Many migrate here especially from colder climates and are attracted to Santa Barbara this time of year (you remember we are the American Riviera)  and from other places where there are little or NO services.  They do so in order to take advantage of the milder weather and the many free services available here as well as the large numbers of tourists and “do-gooders” willing to enable their street life through panhandling, handouts and other freebies.

It is not at all fair to criticize the private and government agencies for “not doing enough” when they are doing more than most communities do and the deaths of these folks have nothing to do with any lack on their part or lack of facilities.

What is irritating, to say the least, is the attempt by certain advocates for the so called “homeless” to project a “guilt trip” on the rest of us because of the lifestyles and behaviors of these chronic substance abusers and their “care free” and irresponsible lifestyle. A lifestyle they are so into, that they are willing to risk their own health and reject help offered to them including shelter!
A lifestyle they conciously seek to equate to other “homeless” persons who are out of home and are destitute for entirely different reason that we all sympathize with and not by choice!

The police are also actively involved along with many private groups like “Doctors Withou Walls”, and the County Department of Social Services in strident efforts, including outreach, to get these “transient” and chronic “street people’ into shelters. However, the public and private agencies cannot force them to go into shelters and resent the claim that if they should die on the streets while drunk, high on drugs or just plain sick, wet and cold, IT IS SOMEHOW THE FAULT OF THOSE PEOPLE AND AGENCIES EARNESTLY TRYING TO HELP THEM!

Fortunately this segment of the generic “homeless” population represents only a small segment of the larger group.  The truly needy and those homeless by misfortune and not choice, accept help graciously and willingly and are seeking to regain a normal life and a place in mainstream society.

You don't have permission to flag this entry.

» very sad state of affairs on 01.25.10 @ 12:46 PM

Are we really going to debate the pros and cons of saving a human life? Are people so heartless that they make spiteful remarks while humans are freezing to DEATH in our community? Have you ever pondered the reasons that some of our neighbors don’t go inside when it is cold? I doubt it is because they view their life as a party. Please consider that while they may be addicted to drugs and or alcohol, they lack the judgement to care for themselves. We treat our animals far better and we don’t pass along our hateful judgement in caring for them.
Please use care when commenting.

You don't have permission to flag this entry.

» Anon on 01.25.10 @ 01:04 PM

In answer to the following comments:
“» ppks wrote on 01.25.10 @ 11:26 AM
The folks who left the brutal messages here should be warned that karma is alive and well.
LJ:  Tell us HOW to help. “

St Athanasius Orthodox Church & Saint Brigid Fellowship, both in Downtown Isla Vista, gives out all sorts of items like the ones discussed to the homeless, less well off than some of us!. They also serve a very nice hot dinner on Monday evenings. I have helped out there for a number of years.

http://www.stathanasius.org/site/content/stbrigid      805-685-5400

You don't have permission to flag this entry.

» Sheryl Stratman on 01.25.10 @ 03:12 PM

Thanks PPKS! You have a kind heart. I agree with Anon who mentioned St. Briged’s Fellowship out in IV..I volunteer out there alot and that was who I was going to suggest giving a tax free donation to…I delivered 10 sleeping bags last week to the temporary warming shelter from Blanket Blessings that they had set up and it was great to see those who needed that shelter getting it! Some of these temporary shelters don’t allow food so these portable items are helpful. I carry disposable/inexpensive rain ponchos in my car and hand them to those on the corners waving signs if they need one…KMart has the best deal right now…Good luck!  Sheryl

You don't have permission to flag this entry.

» Realist on 01.26.10 @ 07:10 PM

Before blaming the increased deaths on neglect, I would like to see the number of increased homeless. Could it be that there are more homeless deaths because there are more homeless??  How many more homeless have we attracted to the area because of all of our services this year as opposed to last year? How many more homeless are there this year because of the economy? Ken needs to do some homework before pointing fingers and asking for handouts from taxpayers. I bet the increased number of homeless deaths are proportional to the number of increased homeless. The private sector and faith based groups seem to be quite compassionate and is the proper channel for charity, not the government.

That being said the government does have a responsibility for public safety, in the case of mental health problems. The others mostly prefer not to go into a structured shelter where drug and alcohol abuse is not permitted. I have seen young and healthy “homeless” making a good business out of panhandling, especially in Goleta.

I ask them if they are hungry and happy to buy them a meal if they are, it is quite telling when they refuse - or when you bring them a hamburger and they don’t eat it. Often they make an excuse why they need money instead.

You don't have permission to flag this entry.