Homelessness and climate change are caused by the same thing: blind obedience to the almighty dollar. If businesses could profit from reducing carbon footprints, climate change would be reversed in short order. And if corporations could figure out a way to bleed profits out of the homeless, homelessness would end tomorrow. The homeless exist for one reason only: they can't contribute to the corporate bottom line. Homelessness is one of the more visible effects of the growing wealth disparity in our nation.
Paying lip service to "helping the homeless," however, is very cost effective, which is why it is so common. What percentage of the budget of southern CA municipalities would it take to house every homeless person out there? 0.01%? I doubt it would be more than that. And yet it won't be done, because it is so much easier to demonize the homeless as lacking moral character.
Let the rains wash 'em away! If you're a politician or a highly visible business leader of course you develop a workable spiel, but no real change will occur until society demands it. And society is far too busy exacerbating climate change to help those who experience its worst effects.
Great reporting, and thank you for the "how you can help" links! You reporting from LA is a huge asset for HEATED's journalism, because I think LA is a focal point in a lot of climate issues, like this article points out with homelessness and climate disasters. Extremely grateful for your journalism!
"Organizers also said beds are often unsuitable for disabled people or the elderly, and can’t always accommodate people’s belongings."
I'm curious as to why it is the case that beds are unsuitable for disabled or the elderly? Or am I misreading and it is because they can't accommodate their belongings?
Hilary took L.A.'s unhoused by surprise
Excellent reporting, Arielle - thanks!
Homelessness and climate change are caused by the same thing: blind obedience to the almighty dollar. If businesses could profit from reducing carbon footprints, climate change would be reversed in short order. And if corporations could figure out a way to bleed profits out of the homeless, homelessness would end tomorrow. The homeless exist for one reason only: they can't contribute to the corporate bottom line. Homelessness is one of the more visible effects of the growing wealth disparity in our nation.
Paying lip service to "helping the homeless," however, is very cost effective, which is why it is so common. What percentage of the budget of southern CA municipalities would it take to house every homeless person out there? 0.01%? I doubt it would be more than that. And yet it won't be done, because it is so much easier to demonize the homeless as lacking moral character.
Let the rains wash 'em away! If you're a politician or a highly visible business leader of course you develop a workable spiel, but no real change will occur until society demands it. And society is far too busy exacerbating climate change to help those who experience its worst effects.
It sounds like LA's disaster response wasn't without its good elements, but it's also apparent that its unhoused population isn't a priority.
Aw thanks for featuring my Luther. He still as sweet as ever. ❤️😊
Great reporting, and thank you for the "how you can help" links! You reporting from LA is a huge asset for HEATED's journalism, because I think LA is a focal point in a lot of climate issues, like this article points out with homelessness and climate disasters. Extremely grateful for your journalism!
"Organizers also said beds are often unsuitable for disabled people or the elderly, and can’t always accommodate people’s belongings."
I'm curious as to why it is the case that beds are unsuitable for disabled or the elderly? Or am I misreading and it is because they can't accommodate their belongings?