Homelessness has always been a constant problem in modern societies, and one man in Los Angeles, California, has become disillusioned with how the government has handled this problem. So, the man went out of his way to distribute free plane tickets to homeless people all over LA as his own attempt to fix the issue. Only problem is, a lot of people are torn on the matter.
This interesting initiative came from John Alle of Santa Monica, California. He’s also a business owner, and his solution was driven by funds from donors under the Santa Monica Coalition. Alle believes that homeless people in Los Angeles or Santa Monica might be better off getting help in more familiar states, especially states where some of their families or friends might be residing.
Hence, his program is a no-questions-asked and no-strings-attached goodwill drive to help homeless people. All they need is an ID and, of course, someone willing to meet them at the airport where they’ll transfer to. Moreover, Alle is simply frustrated by the billions of dollars spent by the government trying to solve homelessness, but to no avail.
“What we’re seeing now is no accountability. There are no results. It’s not result-oriented… If we can get to them before two years, before they get hooked on drugs, before they get involved in the s*x trade. Then, there’s hope,” according to John Alle, transcript courtesy of Fox 11“
So far, Alle has actually had a bit of success during the first week, when two homeless people decided to contact him about relocating to Seattle. Again, all expenses will be shouldered either by Alle or the Santa Monica Coalition, though it’s not clear what the long-term outlook is for this kind of solution, especially if the homeless person’s attempt to seek help in another state or city doesn’t work out. They’ll just be homeless somewhere else.
A Little Too Far From The Root Cause?
Despite Alle’s noble attempts at helping homeless people and giving them a ticket and a chance to perhaps do better in other states or locations than LA or Santa Monica, people seem doubtful about this kind of solution. Some have questioned the feasibility of the plan, while others have criticized that it’s not really solving the homelessness issue, and maybe just letting other states shoulder it.
Still, John Alle was pretty transparent in his talks with homeless people, telling them that if they have relatives in other states, then he’ll help them. Others might not be afforded this kind of chance, especially those with no next of kin. Regardless, Alle’s solution has drawn much criticism and also support in equal measure, and it could still be handy or effective depending on the homeless person’s circumstances.
“Good idea! Send them to San Francisco,” jokes @GuntherEagleman
“I love this. Shuffle them around and make it someone else’s problem. Totally a great solution,” according to @DesertArizona
“This guy has the right idea. Even if he helps only a few. Good on ya mate,” says @emspat496
“I’ve been telling Republicans for decades that most of the homeless in California are from other states, and not all of them live on the streets. Many are couch surfing with friends or living in their vehicles with out of state plates,” swears @bullriders1
