As a former Chinatown homeless resident who was fortunate enough to secure permanent housing last year, and in a practical way to address the lifelong substance abuse problem that has left me homeless, I feel it’s important to say that we are all for us Taking responsibility for one’s own decisions and minimizing someone’s responsibility for their actions only emboldens them and others.
I’m really horrified by what I’ve seen happening with these businesses that have been hit so hard over the generations with addiction and mental illness condensed into a small area.
Ironically, when I was homeless, these people who had such a negative impact on their business were the kindest and most generous to me. Many times they feed me and help me with other things I need out of their kindness. In my opinion, you can choose to explain or minimize guilt, but the bottom line is that no one has the right to endanger the physical safety of others or their right to work hard and support loved ones.
I take full responsibility for my actions when I’m actively on the street and are as much a part of the problem as anyone else, and I’m sorry for that, but words alone are why we’re all in trouble, whether it’s through failure A promise to keep, or someone who simply wants to blame others for their behavior.
I sincerely hope there is some way to change this and save Chinatown, but as much as I am sad to say, the problem is so systemic right now that only a radical change in every aspect of the word is necessary until power is willing to make A few unpopular but desperately needed changes and things will go on as usual.
— John Ronfield
