dianev. I have a simple solution. I would favor converting the old farm extension building the city acquired years ago on Moffat Blvd into a small overnight shelter for homeless men and/or women, not families. It would at least give the homeless individual some where to go, instead of hanging around the landscaped arbor at Yosemite and Manteca Ave. Ben Cantu.

There is no such thing as a simple solution for homelessness. There are beds available in Stockton but you have to follow some rules about substance abuse among other things. There has been a parade of wonderful people who have tried to help over the years. Someone would have to be responsible for watching the place at night (liability), and keeping it from becoming a problem. And would that building be close to Manteca High? And there's probably a lot more to this "simple" solution.

Jay, you are right, it is not a simple solution. There are probably plenty of obstacles in the way of doing something about the homeless situation in Manteca, but I would hope that the first obstacle is the lack of making an attempt. There are plenty of wonderful people helping the homeless families, but not the homeless individuals. Manteca is a small town, the homeless are everywhere, Manteca High students walk by them twice a day on Yosemite and So. Main. Taking the first step to doing something is difficult, the logistics are not simple, but doing nothing is worse.

Thanks Ben. I appreciate your imput. It would seem a safe place to spend the night would be a start. I don't know how we could make that simple.

dianey. Simple in the sense that it is moving forward with a plan; instead of making it a police problem that just moves the homeless from one gazebo on one end of town to the gazebo on the other end of town.

Simple in the sense that the city already owns the property, modifiying the building for the use is relatively easy and cheaper than building new, it is fairly out-of-sight, and it is centerally located and accessible.