Solutions to homelessness?

In today's Austin American-Statesman, Andrea Ball asks for solutions to homelessness. The following is my attempt at an answer, which I believe provides a pragmatic framework for addressing homelessness in Austin. I'd also submit to you that the advocacy of law enforcement's role in addressing homelessness is not heartless, but rather in recognition of the fact that, at times, there must be a negative incentive to behavior that society chooses not to accept.

Dear Ms. Ball:

In your column today, you asked for workable suggestions regarding the homeless problem in Austin. I'll do my best to take your challenge.

First, I'd submit to you that some of the activists have a vested interest in homelessness. If homelessness is eliminated (or substantially reduced), the activists lose their funding, and subsequently, their employment. In addition, the activists, in order to maintain relevance, have to oppose any quality of life ordinances. These ordinances which control panhandling and solicitation would serve to help limit the ubiquitous visibility of Austin's homeless. Again, that which limits the visibility of the problem limits the power base of the activists.

No one approach will solve homelessness in Austin. Rather, a combination of approaches should be used, providing both an alternative to the streets as well as consequences for those who choose not to abide by societal standards. The city has a somewhat admirable approach with the ARCH center downtown and the transitional apartments downtown. The city has passed some ordinances, although it is very clear from the lack of consistent enforcement citywide, that the ordinance could be considered more as "lip service" to those who advocate a law enforcement solution. The part which I have yet to hear about is mental health care for the homeless. There should be assistance for those with substance abuse as well as a mechanism for the mentally ill homeless to receive the medications which they need to control their illness.

The city has failed to establish one facility that would go a long ways towards addressing both public safety and public welfare -- a detoxification facility for those arrested for public intoxication. Such a facility would provide an alternative to a traditional jail environment for those with substance abuse problems. Combined in conjunction with the Downtown Community Court, this would provide an appropriate mix of social services and law enforcement to those on the fringes of our society, encouraging them to return as productive members of our society.

During the Giuliani administration in New York, the police combined "crackdowns" on panhandling and other quality of life crimes with informing the homeless about shelters and social services. This is the balance that Austin should seek -- providing consequences for antisocial behavior, while providing the help needed to return to society.

In conclusion, the law enforcement model fails on its own as it offers no alternatives to life on the street. The social services model fails because it fails to address that some on the streets, by their actions, choose these behaviors. It is only through a combination of all resources that Austin can address homelessness.