Homeless: Take responsibility for their own actions

Re: “Homeless sweep at the Jungle shines a light on a failing approach,” (TNT, 4/30).

One of the most important issues columnist Matt Driscoll should have asked these homeless people is: “Why are you not changing your life?”

One of the homeless acknowledged having a history of drug addiction (not a recovered drug addict). Another acknowledged being in limbo. Another being homeless in Tacoma for five years.

Millions are spent on homeless people, but what are they doing to try and change their lives? All homeless centers will tell you that a lot of people drop out of their programs because they don’t want to follow the rules and guidelines during the transition period.

Homeless camps are a mess, unhealthy and polluting the environment. So the time has come to call it like it is. Homeless people need to change their lives. They need to seek drug treatment, and follow the rules when help is provided. Make the camps clean, and report all illegal activity happening in and around them.

Tacoma has not given up on or neglected the homeless. The homeless are neglecting themselves.

This story was originally published May 5, 2017 at 6:26 PM with the headline "Homeless: Take responsibility for their own actions."