West Oakland Homeless

[Alex Miller-Cole]

Hey George,

Thanks for your note. Yes. I have been homeless twice and I know first hand just how important it is that one don't stay homeless. Studies/ data show that if one is homeless more than 3 days it is many times as hard to get you out of the streets. 

So. This is what I do:

First, I approach the person. I tell them of the many placed that have shelter and food in the community that can help them. Second, I offer to drive them there or I offer to help them get in touch with them. I know the ED's of many of these places. One week after - I come back and check on them. If I see that it is mental illness or addiction and I see that they are not going to or can't take care of themselves I report them to the police and to SeeClickFix. This is the only way I can legally get them into treatment and close to the services that they need and deserve. 

They are my neighbors and I have only the best intentions at heart. I know most of them by name and I know the personal story of most of them. 

Thank you for giving me the benefit of the doubt. 

Alex

415-699-9561