LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Most homeless are not mentally ill

Published 5:04 pm Friday, November 21, 2014

Editor,

Thank you for highlighting National Hunger and Homeless Awareness week in the editorial on Nov. 19. I especially appreciate the request to discard stereotypes of homeless people.

One of the fastest growing sectors of homeless are families with children, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless. Homelessness is usually caused by a series of events such as the sudden loss of a job exacerbated by a medical emergency. Or a single parent who is underemployed receives an eviction notice because their rental home is in foreclosure or has sold. Lack of affordable housing makes it difficult for people to rehouse once they are homeless.

I was quoted in the article titled “Homelessness still a problem on South Whidbey, experts say.” The quote was used in a way that may perpetuate the myth that most homeless people are mentally ill. I would like to set the record straight and assert that the majority of homeless families in our community are simply experiencing severe financial hardship, unable to find affordable housing, and in need of a hand up.

GAIL LAVASSAR

Readiness To Learn Foundation