Steve's Blog

I believe that women and children make a conscious choice to live on the streets instead of remaining in a toxic environment. Thanks for your comments.

Is Affordable Housing Affordable for Single Moms? You hear it all the time when it comes to solving homelessness: We need more affordable housing. But does affordable housing really make a difference? And is affordable housing really affordable, especially for a segment of the population most inclined to need it? First, what is affordable housing? Experts…

Homelessness Standstill in California: Why We Can’t Get Out According to the White House Council on Economic Advisors, homelessness is a “serious problem” caused by decades of misguided and faulty policies. In California, the epidemic persists, despite new taxes, new legislation, and increasing national attention. Why can’t we come together and solve the problem? Politics at…

5 Radical Ideas for Solving Homelessness in California When it comes to ending homelessness, our president blames state politicians. State politicians blame local governments. Local officials impose new laws and restrictions and unleash cities that are overflowing with people on the streets, poor sanitation, disease, increased crime, death and higher taxes. Their collective response is…

Ending Homelessness When We Don’t “See” It Happening I live in Los Angeles, so the true face of homelessness is something I see every day. But homelessness is rampant not just in LA, but throughout our country in all major cities. Even if your town isn’t known for its showcase of tents and street-dwellers in…

The Dos and Don’ts to Building Integrity Interpersonal communication skills are developed when we make a conscious choice to listen to another with the intention to understand. Relationships begin. If we fall short, then messages are often misunderstood leaving all parties frustrated. Then we start to assume things and communication breaks down. To have integrity…

Domestic Violence: When There’s Nowhere to Go A population I’ve been addressing in the recent months are homeless single mothers, or single moms at-risk of being homeless just by the challenges they may be up against. For many women, ending up on the streets is a result of mental health, lack of education or income, or…

4 Reasons the Script on Ending Homelessness Needs to Be Rewritten Homelessness has become a social disease in our society. In Los Angeles where I live, it is a disease of fear, insecurity, disappointment, isolation, loneliness, suffering, guilt and shame. Many homeless people also suffer from addiction and mental health issues, for which there is…

For Women, Life Is Even Harder on the Streets Homelessness is not an easy path for anyone. Aside from the exposure to elements, trauma, fear and hunger, there are the health risks, the danger on the streets, and the stigmatism of being homeless. For many, there are also issues involving mental health and substance abuse addiction.…

Why Are People Homeless? Is it By Choice or Circumstance? The issue of homelessness can be polarizing. Opinions about why it’s happening — and who it’s happening to — vary across demographics. As a regular volunteer at homeless shelters and an advocate for the homeless population, I have heard countless comments and opinions from friends and acquaintances over the…