By Catherine Orellana Throughout the recent years, COVID-19 has been one of the biggest issues due to it tremendous repercussions, such as financial burden, and many believe it has been the main contributing factor in homelessness. Although, it is a component, it is not the main one. Instead, the biggest burden that has led many in Californians to homelessness is “the rising housing cost that has exceeded growth in wages,” as stated by the California State Government. California is no stranger to high price tags, let alone certain counties like San Bernardino. Although wages have increased, so has housing costs, making it impossible for many to have a home of their own. This … [Read more...] about Homelessness affects Californians the most
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Behind the mask: From homeless to hope in San Bernardino County
By Ferris Strachan In Southern California, we lead the way in homelessness. There is an estimation of 130,000 homeless people in California and San Bernardino County has seen a 48% increase since 2018. We have all seen them; men, boys, women, and girls at the exits of highways, gas stations, and 7-Elevens, with their carts, scribbled signs, and vinyl tents, holding bug-infested cups with their claw-like hands, torn clothes, and dirty faces. They spot us. Frozen like zombies they look right through us. We spot them, and we immediately turn away. For the homeless, hopelessness is their dress code. We justify, “All the homeless are drug addicts, alcoholics, or … [Read more...] about Behind the mask: From homeless to hope in San Bernardino County
LA temporarily relocates homeless population for Super Bowl
By: Celeste Santarrosa and Aylin Estrada (Contributing Writers) Before the big game, crews remove a homeless camp on Century Boulevard beneath the 405 Freeway to shield football fans from the growing homeless population, which social media users believe is a temporary solution to the ongoing crisis on homelessness. “Celebrating a corporate event as the Super Bowl should no longer be allowed when people are suffering,” said Justin Gamache on Facebook. “The only reason why they are cleaning up the homeless is so fans don’t have to see the trash and the huge homeless problem the city of LA has,” he added. Since the last week of January, work crews have been cleaning up … [Read more...] about LA temporarily relocates homeless population for Super Bowl
Homelessness: More than a stigma
In the homeless community there are a plethora of misconceptions that individuals are fighting against before they even say a word. It can be easy for those of "privilege" to forget the humanity that these individuals represent. “I think people assume that I can’t take care of my kids,” shared Destiny, a current resident at a Path of Life Shelter as she hugged her sleeping three week old newborn to her chest inside her partially zipped hoodie. Destiny shared that she and her husband were staying at the shelter with her daughters while they waited on paperwork and housing from the city. “People assume that because I’m young, and in this situation that I’m not able to properly … [Read more...] about Homelessness: More than a stigma
Converting San Bernardino’s vacant buildings for shelter use
By Sierra Marrero |Assistant Community Editor| During an investigation exploring the adversaries of San Bernardino's homeless population, questions have been raised as to why vacant San Bernardino buildings are not renovated into homeless shelters. “There are so many unused buildings in downtown San Bernardino, I just don’t know why they can’t use them,” says Sierra, a homeless woman who often resides near Seccombe Park. “If it were up to me, I’d put them to use, like, the Carousel Mall, ain’t nobody using it.” Sierra explains that it is often hard to get into shelters because there is often a waiting list for people to be approved. While certain qualifications do exist, … [Read more...] about Converting San Bernardino’s vacant buildings for shelter use
Mary’s Village lacks city support
By Saeed Villanueva |Staff Writer| Mary's Village (MV),"homeless shelter for over 100 men in San Bernardino" was set to be built in the third ward of the city and lacks support from city council members to hold a public hearing for construction. Unfortunately, as a result a homeless shelter for over 100 men failed to gain city approval. The project was approved in July when members voted 4-2 in favor of the project, but afterwards a few members flipped their stance and started to oppose the shelter. Members who disapprove feel the project doesn't provide a solid enough plan that would permit people from other cities from using the shelter. "We are seeing an influx of homeless … [Read more...] about Mary’s Village lacks city support
SB city council roundup
By Saeed Villanueva |Staff Writer| San Bernardino's city council showed their support for a center for homeless men called Mary's Village on Oct. 10. Out of the 30 people who spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting 27 of them spoke in favor of Mary’s Village. Many of whom spoke very passionately about the homeless epidemic in the city. “The biggest tragedy, the one the breaks my heart is the individual that’s homeless because of certain circumstances that put them in a homeless situation and has gotten so far down he can’t get back up,” said John Morrissey, a board of directors’ member for the Mary’s Mercy Center. Despite the overwhelmingly amount of support, … [Read more...] about SB city council roundup
News Briefs
By: Elle Carlos | Staff Writer | Iron Max 1/18/16 A 5-year-old superhero made his Marvel debut as "Iron Max" in the Iron Man comic book. When Max Levy had a metal plate inserted in his chest to assist his battle against hemophilia, he quickly realized, "I'm Iron Man!," according to an article on nbc.news.com. Marvel writers got wind of the story when #IronMax appeared on social media. Along with the Iron Max comic, his photo and story were featured in the back, with hopes to inspire children everywhere who are battling a disease. Space Fashion 1/15/16 Virgin Galactic partnered with Adidas' Y-3 designer to create fashionable spacesuits. Following … [Read more...] about News Briefs
“Gimme Shelter” an empowering film
By Chrisoula Baroudos |Staff Writer| Vanessa Hudgens’ performance in “Gimme Shelter” captured her audience through the realistic role as Agnes “Apple” Bailey. Director Ron Krauss did a great job capturing the spiritual elements of the story based upon actual events about young girls who are pregnant. Krauss is an award winning filmmaker and is best known for his film “Puppies for Sale,” and most recently “Gimme Shelter.” The film is a quick 1 hour and 40 minutes and has a PG-13 rating for a few brutal scenes of abuse, drug talk and some rough, but apropos, language. I recommend this movie for young girls because it teaches them the importance of self-respect and the realism of … [Read more...] about “Gimme Shelter” an empowering film
Students lend their hands on MLK day
By Mariela Limon |Staff Writer| CSUSB students give back to the community on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Central City Lutheran Mission (CCLM) in San Bernardino. The event, organized by Community-University Partnership, along with the Office of Housing and Residential Life’s Getting Involved in Volunteer Experiences (G.I.V.E.), Black Scholars Hall, Student African American Brotherhood, Student African American Sisterhood and Hispanic Scholars; welcomed students to join CSUSB members for a day of serving those who are in need. "For us, it is super important because nonprofits are already understaffed, and when someone comes in, it saves us days of work," said Maria Medina, Chief … [Read more...] about Students lend their hands on MLK day