I agree with " in The Know's" comments 100 %! And Crissyslucky7, I hear where you're coming from as well. I live downtown. I don't need to spend a day volunteering at Casa to know firsthand, the MAJORITY of the kids bumming around on State St., camping out on every available bench, all day long, are physically & mentally capable of working. Most of them are wanna-be hippie runaways. And why wouldn't they stay in Santa Barbara? They know they won't get hassled by the police & can make a good profit begging to all the tourists on State St. As long as it's tolerated, they are here to stay. I am, however, aware of the actual "needy" people, that may not be mentally & physically capable to be active citizens. I greatly sympathize with thier situations and support lending them a hand. Everyone deserves a second chance and help when needed, as long as they are willing to follow the neccessary channels. We need to send a message that Santa Barbara helps it's needy citizens, (people who live here!), not transient runaways. There's a big difference between Homeless and Jobless!!
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Posted on February 12 at 4:10 p.m.
I agree with " in The Know's" comments 100 %! And Crissyslucky7, I hear where you're coming from as well. I live downtown. I don't need to spend a day volunteering at Casa to know firsthand, the MAJORITY of the kids bumming around on State St., camping out on every available bench, all day long, are physically & mentally capable of working. Most of them are wanna-be hippie runaways. And why wouldn't they stay in Santa Barbara? They know they won't get hassled by the police & can make a good profit begging to all the tourists on State St. As long as it's tolerated, they are here to stay. I am, however, aware of the actual "needy" people, that may not be mentally & physically capable to be active citizens. I greatly sympathize with thier situations and support lending them a hand. Everyone deserves a second chance and help when needed, as long as they are willing to follow the neccessary channels. We need to send a message that Santa Barbara helps it's needy citizens, (people who live here!), not transient runaways. There's a big difference between Homeless and Jobless!!
On Can Mike Foley House Santa Barbara’s Homeless?