The persistent myth that "homeless people move here to take advantage of our generous social services" has the slight problem that it's not true.
But it's a very Eugene thing to build up a self-image of "Oh, we're so kind, and generous and people take advantage of us Soooo Much!".
And as a group we want to be seen as kind and put upon, rather than say arrogant and clueless, or judgy and tightfisted. But that myth is an excuse for not solving the problem at the root.
Which is to say building a lot more housing. Build enough housing that 20% of a full time salary on minimum wage is enough to rent an efficiency apartment. Enough that the rental vacancy rate is 10% of available units on October 1st. Enough that commercial landlords are putting up billboards saying there's too much housing.
Yes, it is our duty. People deserve food, water, shelter, and healthcare at the absolute least. There is more than enough money and materials to accomplish this, but because a company can make more money by not providing them, it will not happen without severe coercion.
No one said individual. Start a company or corporation that doesn’t operate for profit. Pool together the resources of the people that care and do something. You’ll even have a competitive advantage.
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u/TormentedTopiary Aug 04 '22
The persistent myth that "homeless people move here to take advantage of our generous social services" has the slight problem that it's not true.
But it's a very Eugene thing to build up a self-image of "Oh, we're so kind, and generous and people take advantage of us Soooo Much!".
And as a group we want to be seen as kind and put upon, rather than say arrogant and clueless, or judgy and tightfisted. But that myth is an excuse for not solving the problem at the root.
Which is to say building a lot more housing. Build enough housing that 20% of a full time salary on minimum wage is enough to rent an efficiency apartment. Enough that the rental vacancy rate is 10% of available units on October 1st. Enough that commercial landlords are putting up billboards saying there's too much housing.