More must be done to help SLO County homeless

I am in support of the Feb. 4 editorial, “Declaring a shelter crisis in SLO County is a good start; now let’s build from there,” which notes the county Board of Supervisors’ decision to allow warming shelters in county buildings. As there is minimal affordable housing in San Luis Obispo County, there is a proportionate increase in those vulnerable and in need of such shelters. Therefore, along with the implementation of the inclusionary housing program, the board needs to allocate more money to the general fund for long-term solutions for shelters elsewhere throughout the county.

It is a travesty that San Luis Obispo County has only two full-time shelters (ECHO in Atascadero and the Prado Day Center in San Luis Obispo). I have been privileged this winter season to work with the 5 Cities Homeless Coalition and the South County People’s Kitchen leadership in implementing the South County warming shelter in Arroyo Grande serving the entire Five Cities area. It is open only on the coldest and/or rainy nights. This is good, but not enough.

In addition, volunteers are the backbone who make service to those in need successful. I would implore all business owners to allow flexibility in work schedules that would allow their employees to participate in this compassionate, humanitarian service.

This story was originally published February 18, 2016 at 8:39 PM with the headline "More must be done to help SLO County homeless."