Coastal Voices Guest Opinion: Coastal Voices Guest Opinion: Homeless don’t hold us hostage

One writer claims that the town is being held hostage by the homeless. If you can say “no,” and walk away, are you really being held hostage? If you can see a person standing on the street, wearing rags, and looking as if they haven’t eaten in three to four days, turn your head and pretend you don’t see them as you drive by in your gas-guzzler, are you really being held hostage?

Like one of the writers, I came from a family of 10 kids. My dad had a pretty good job, in between the seasonal lay-off, that would have been great for a family of three or four kids (I was the fifth). I had to wear hand-me-downs and homemades, and I was in the strawberry fields earning my own spending money when I was 10. What happened that made you so cynical?

Through a series of unfortunate circumstances, I was homeless for a short while. I don’t drink, and I don’t do drugs, and I am so very thankful I never had to rely on your kind for assistance.

Writers have referred to the crimes associated with shelters. Were you referring to the time when four or five non-homeless people lured a homeless person out of the shelter to bash his head in? Is that the problem the homeless are causing for you?

I hate to resort to cliches, but seriously, what would Jesus do? More importantly, what would he have you do? I don’t recall reading in the scriptures not to give to the poor, but only donate to charitable organizations. I don’t even recall reading not to give to the poor but give to the church and let the church give to the poor. I do recall something about if someone takes your shirt make sure they get your jacket as well. And there was an interesting quote that I seem to recall that went something like this, “When you have done unto the least of these, you have done unto me.”

If I’m wrong, then please, correct me. But seriously, I have always given what I can, when I can, and I have never been hurt for it.

If you want someone to bless you, and who couldn’t use a few blessings in this day and age, give them more than they were asking for and watch their reaction.

James Perkins is a Crescent City resident.