Tent City inspires no imitators

Neighboring cities might laud Ontario's attempt to ease the homeless problem, but after watching Tent City's population balloon to around 400, many leaders are ruling out similar encampments in their cities.

[Jack]

Hah... that's irony. It would be funny if it wasn't so sad.

A city steps up and tries to do something to help. The city get's dumped on by all sides (including the media) who all claim their "moral victories."

And a neighboring city like mine looks at Ontario's example and does nothing at all.

Age old question: Why is homelessness never addressed? Answer: Because no good deed goes unpunished.

[Paul Neifert]

The publicity that Ontario has gotten about tent city, it should not be surprising to anyone that other cities are not interested in a similar homeless adventure. The best thing that has come out of this farce is that now the citizens of Ontario now know how far out of contact are the current council members and will take appropriate steps at the next election.

[ontario cares]

When i first herd of the idea to put the homeless in one place i thought it was a good idea. I thought it would help the people who are homeless to recieve the help they need from social services such as church groups, outreach programs and the county services. I thouht it would help the police keep track of the homeless and help keep them out of trouble. I see now "i was wrong" the idea was there but not the cooperation. For a idea like this to work it will take all cities in san bernandino county to do the same if the number was 400 what will it be if every city took care of there own homeless residents. its easy to close your eyes and cretsize ontario for trying at least they care enough to try. Don't give up ontario your on the wright track it starts with recognizing these are your residents and we must help them.

[Kudo time for Ontario]

This paper carries a story about a tent city in Ventura that is working well.
They even charge rent but their dynamics may differ.
It seems apparent that growing pains and all Ontario is doing the right thing.
I am also seeing what surrounding cities are doing or starting to do.
Ontario estimates they have 140 or so people who have residence in the city and need help.
If they can help theirs other cities can do the same and the load distribution may be tolerable for them.
How wonderful we recognize the need for more help for humans.
It seems the right thing to do. The existing services just were not enough.
Now people are losing their homes, some will need help. Others have family helping them.
Lets hear from those who support the help being given!
My kudos to this paper for keeping us informed and showing their support.

[Marlene Munoz]

All cities should have a designated area for the homeless, a place run like a campground. People would have to register and be interviewed by social services to find out what is needed to end their homelessness. Most cities have numerous parks and one in each city could be used if there were no other vacant land available. The people of the camp would be required to keep the camp clean, prepare meals and do maintenance.