I recently read an op-ed article in the San Jose Mercury News [San Jose's Jungle: It will close, but homelessness will remain a huge problem] that commented on the ultimate closing of "the Jungle" and the lack of "shared community responsibility" towards homelessness. Many people live along Santa Clara County's creeks, including Coyote Creek, and for a variety of reasons. As this op-ed points out, once the Jungle is closed, the visceral, visible icon for homelessness will disappear, but the homeless will be dispersed, once again, amidst our cities. Some will find housing, but others will not.
One of the new plans to end homelessness is the Community Plan to End Homelessness, a final draft of which was unveiled on Thursday, September 11, that offers three main strategies with underlying goals, one of which includes the environmental community. As part of this Plan, the goal is to shelter the chronically homeless, veterans, and families, but also to identify and help households at risk for becoming homeless. By supporting and being a part of the implementation of this plan, communities can help keep our creeks and waterways from becoming a home away from home for homeless people, and allow environmental groups to focus on restoring these natural places rather than primarily focusing on keeping them free of trash.
To join in the implementation plan or to learn more, contact Destination: Home.
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