Concerned, Saddened for My Community

As a born and raised Castro Vallien, I’m concerned and saddened that my community will lose value and safety with our current homeless issue. I recently bought a home near trader joes off redwood road. Two homeless men approached me on the same night while attempting to enter the store. One man ran after my vehicle, and the other bowed to me. When I did not respond to him bowing at me, he began to swear at me and run around the parking lot. The presbyterian church had a great idea to assist the unhoused but unfortunately, it has caused problems for the other community members. I worked extremely hard to buy a house in my hometown. I shouldn’t feel unsafe doing basic grocery shopping. The church should be accountable for who they’re inviting into our community. People need assistance, and as a nurse, I’m empathetic in helping people. But enabling bad behavior does not improve the lives of individuals, it only tarnishes the community we live in.

– Jennifer Reis, Castro Valley