Reply #13: You will find homeless in Central Contra Costa.

[Gormy Cuss]

It's easy to find them one city away from Lafayette, two from Orinda or Clayton. There is a program in Walnut Creek that provides services to about 75 homeless people each week. It's called Fresh Start and is located at a church within shouting distance of some of the overpasses and creek beds that serve as home for some. Fresh Start has put a face on the problem out here.

The problem in San Francisco is enormous in part because it has been such a welcoming place for people from all walks of life. I think that your general idea of spreading the responsibility is a good one. It's more the way small towns used to handle the down-on-their-luck residents. The community took care of them and the community tolerated their problems that kept them from being able to take care of themselves. Increasing available and affordable housing along with extensive supportive services would enable many of the homeless to get off the street and into a safer place.