The smell of human feces around these camps, even the small ones, is evident. Toilet paper and other trash point out the spots. It all washes into the creek. This is nothing new, it has been going on for years and is an environmental wreck. One of the bathrooms used to be on land bordering Landels school, just across from their sleeping area right over the fence. Look at the pictures...The crown jewel of Mtn View. I don't want to "run them out of town" but they do not belong in the creek area. We should really make a better effort of protecting our crown jewel.

Mountain View should find a place for the homeless, this need is more important than most other city needs.

Yah, we should but it's those pesky details about how, where and who pays that people get stuck on. We need ideas on the fix, not acknowledgement that something needs to be done, that we already know, just like every town in this area. We SHOULD find a cure for cancer as well.

Why is this story only posted in the Mountain View paper? I'm guessing most of these people come from around the bay area, not just Mountain View. Many were probably staying in Sunnyvale and moved to the creek in Mountain View when the armory closed. Will this story also run in the Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Woodside, Atheron, Portola Valley papers? I'm guessing not, so why is Mountain View the lucky one? I'm feeling quite manipulated by the Voice editors at this point.

"Mountain View in general doesn't have a lot of permanent supportive housing, and as far as I know, it's never had a shelter program," Le said.

Maybe, but neither do any of the other cities mentioned above!!! Homelessness is a regional problem not a city problem. I honestly have no interest in helping unless I see other (wealthier) cities pitching in to do their fair share as well.

This is not a Democrat, Republican, City or County problem. This is a human problem that needs to be dealt with humanity, compassion and decency. There will always be those who are rich, those who just make ends meet and those who are homeless. The Silicon Valley as a whole is an expensive place to live in. Public housing in this country is shameful. I suggest that public housing be built that give the option for the tenants to purchase their respective units at a low interest below market rate on a 99 year lease. Lets help take of the homeless. Lets provide them shelter and at least food. Its amazing how well we take care of our animals and neglect fellow human beings. We have enough intelligence, I hope, in the county to come up with a solution for those who are homeless. Gathering them and bussing them to Nevada is not a solution but an insult to all residents of the county. Its not the job of the MVPD to convince then to leave; its their job to protect al residents including the homeless from any harm. If we wait for others to help nothing will ever be done. Proactive elected leaders are needed not those that are reactive after the fact. Lets all pitch in as we are a great city.

Ok here's an obvious question: if you don't have a job or a home there, WHY are you trying to live in one of the most expensive locations in the country? My parents couldn't afford rent in Mountain View either, that's why they don't live there.

Just wondering what we expect to gain from approving a 600-unit, water guzzling new housing development when we have such a homeless problem!

Are we still closing some school facilities that could be re-purposed as shelters?

What would be the costs of providing portable potties (with honey wagon service), including potable water for hand washing and simple basin bathing (if not showers)?

(Both of these could improve the health situation for homeless, residents, wildlife and pets by containing wastes and promoting sanitary conditions.)

How might funds for BMR housing be earmarked to do some or all of the above?

Could Google be interesting in hiring some of the local homeless?

Being jobless and homeless does not mean being worthless.

Being employed but homeless does not mean being worthless.

Actively helping folks find jobs that will allow them to afford housing (here, OR elsewhere) can dramatically reduce the need for shelters, too.

For those who might have the time to find the money to make this happen, thank you in advance. If you are able to take action, please let us all know if there is a way we can help.


BTW - MV has a lot of "pocket-sized" parks nestled in neighborhoods, and has lots of easy-to-miss spots for folks to nest in when homeless, while have relatively easy access to transportation.