As I See It
Working together to prevent homelessness
The homeless problem is not just a city of La Crosse problem. County leaders acknowledged that this week when they joined forces with the city to address the growing problem. While the majority of the homeless population live on the streets of La Crosse, other communities struggle to help as well. But sometimes they make problems worse. Neighboring communities sometimes direct the homeless to La Crosse, where there are more resources, making the problem worse in the city. So far, the city and county don’t have a specific plan for helping the homeless, but they hope to have a plan in place by early next year. Until then, an estimated 80 unsheltered people will likely continue to be down in La Crosse parks and parking ramps. And next winter may see a repeat of using Houska park as a campground for the homeless. Clearly things aren’t going to change quickly. It is good that local governments are working together to solve the problem of homelessness. But they should also involve other stakeholders like the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and those operating a homeless resource center near downtown. All are hoping to accomplish the same thing. By working together, like the city and county are doing, could help achieve their goals more quickly and efficiently.
nick
June 8, 2023 at 6:07 am
The state of California spent 17 billion dollars over the last four years combating homelessness and it is worse.
Their progressive policies regarding housing is a significant part of the problem. The national news does not want to dwell on that aspect; would make progressive ideas loiok bad— cannot have that.
Kent
June 8, 2023 at 2:53 pm
POST NO CAMPING SIGNS IN ALL PARKS. POST NO LOITERING SIGNS IN THE PARKING RAMPS. HAVE MAYOR MITCH REYNOLDS DO THE JOB HE WAS VOTED IN FOR. IF HOMELESS ARE CAUGHT DRUNK OR IN POSSESION OF METH AND HERION LOCK THEM UP THEY ARE A DANGER TO THE COMMUNITY. QUIT PAMPERING THES PEOPLE OR WE WILL END UP LIKE CALIFORNIS.
John
June 8, 2023 at 7:32 am
Why aren’t we taking the drug dealers to task and locking them up for a minimum of 10 years. With no drugs for the homeless to have or use most will vanish and move on.
walden
June 8, 2023 at 2:23 pm
Five years and $10 million later and still the La Crosse Homeless Industrial Complex doesn’t have a plan and won’t until next year? Running away from the problem won’t solve it.
random annoying bozo
June 28, 2023 at 10:49 am
if government were really serious about trying to end homelessness, it would quit subsidizing homelessness!