Casa and the Homeless
These words are not to condemn the plight of Casa Esperanza but to highlight the existence of the residents who dwell within the walls of Santa Barbara’s mainstream solution to homelessness. Let me point out that I myself was a resident, but I have chosen to move on, which I believe is in my best interest and for my own well-being. But I have come to this conclusion:
Casa Esperanza is not a “boarding house” for those who refuse to move forward and better their lives, yet some have come to the belief that it is okay to loaf around all day or, in some instances, for years at a time without making any real, conscious effort to obtain some type of employment, save money, and transition out of homelessness. Others with monthly income from the government refuse to put away a good chunk of their pay and move out into stable, permanent housing. The question is why?
On the positive side, a large handful of individuals have accomplished the great feat of pursuing the dream of independent living by not letting the obstacles of life derail them from their primary purpose, and with the help that they received, they are living it. Kudos go out to all of them, and I wish the best of luck to others who have not decided that enough is enough.
