LA fires tragic reminder that ignoring homeless problem can't continue

Homeless individuals face dense and often interwoven challenges, including underemployment or non-employment and the unavailability of a support network.

Fires are raging, lives are being lost, and communities are being devastated. It’s time to confront the undeniable truth: Housing First has failed as a primary approach to homelessness. Michele Steeb is the founder of Free Up Foundation and author of "Answers Behind the RED DOOR: Battling the Homeless Epidemic," based on her 13 years as CEO of northern California’s largest program for homeless women and children. She proudly served eight years as a board member of the California Prison Industry Authority and has served as a visiting fellow for the Independent Women’s Forum, a consultant for the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and a vice president of the California Chamber of Commerce.

Later detained on a felony probation violation due to insufficient evidence, this individual appeared to harbor an intent to harm the community—an intent as unmistakable as the internal demons with which he struggles.