Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

Homeless deserve our support

Trash pulled out from the camp lines Highway 1 as vacationers drive by in RVs in January. A large group of homeless residents had set up camp along Highway 1 and the railroad tracks in Grover Beach, before being removed so that the Grover Beach Amtrak station could be renovated.
Trash pulled out from the camp lines Highway 1 as vacationers drive by in RVs in January. A large group of homeless residents had set up camp along Highway 1 and the railroad tracks in Grover Beach, before being removed so that the Grover Beach Amtrak station could be renovated. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com

Regarding the letter (Jan Kenny, “Why let homeless stay at campground?” Feb. 29) from the woman who was “devastated” to know that the Pismo Beach campground where they were staying was allowing the folks who were evicted from the Grover Beach Amtrak station to temporarily camp there:

These folks are our fellow humans, they need our help and support.

We’ve visited and brought them supplies and have had no difficulties.

They’re thankful and polite. The campground fees are being paid for by a local church and caring individuals.

We’re trying to focus on solutions, not perceived or anticipated problems. These people also want a safe refuge. We’re doing the best we can, given the situation right now, we understand the reality, it exists. But fear doesn’t help!

Peti Johnson, Los Osos

This story was originally published March 4, 2016 at 8:28 PM with the headline "Homeless deserve our support."

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER