Less Homeless Deaths On Skid Row: What's Wrong With This Statement?

The Los Angeles Police Department recently announced that there is a drop in deaths among homeless people in downtown Los Angeles' Skid Row neighborhood. From 94 deaths in 2005 to "only" 60 deaths last year.

Critics say that this is a result of the controversial police action called, "Safer Cities Initiative," which critics say swept homeless people out of downtown Los Angeles and into other parts of the county.

Others say it's a result of a drop in crime that has occurred throughout the region.

For level-headed folks that may not be used to such gruesome urban statistics, the announcement simply does not make sense. Shouldn't there be an outcry when we let hurting, vulnerable people living on our streets die?

Then why are we celebrating that "only" 60 homeless people died last year? Shouldn't we be trying to make sure NO ONE dies on our streets?

Where is the outrage?

There is a simple solution to this. Help these people access housing.


(Pic from http://blogs.dallasobserver.com)