LifeMoves is a charitable organization, and it relies on donations from individuals and organizations to operate. It does not make money from these operations, and its staff are generally paid below-market compensation, as is typical at nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable/poor populations.

It seems a bit unfair to provide this expose about how a charitable organization is not doing enough, given very limited funds and reliance on the generosity of others to operate. In the past and/or in different geographical regions--and in all other developed nations worldwide --government agencies do far more of the work (if not all of the work, plus additional work) that we here rely on LifeMoves to provide.

For example, in most other developed nations, there is a greater concerted effort to ensure that public housing is available at affordable rates for those who cannot afford private housing. Additionally, higher education is generally far more affordable for citizens of other developed nations, child care is subsidized so that primary parents have the opportunity to re-enter the workplace, and affordable, more convenient public transit makes it far more possible to live a distance from one's work without reliance on a private vehicle and the always-rising costs of gasoline. This not only helps workers find jobs, but also these policies create stronger workforces for employers.

In California, which would qualify as the 5th largest economy in the world, we have amongst the fastest-growing rates of poverty, homelessness, and even, as a consequence, illiteracy. These problems are increasing.

There are many reasons for, and causes of, California's current and growing challenges. But nonprofits like Life Moves cannot be counted amongst those causes. Although charitable organizations cannot provide all of the solutions that are needed, they do help reduce the problem.

I am not connected with Life Moves in any way other than as a supporter. You can learn more, & get involved if interested, here: Web Link lifemoves.org

I agree with Rebecca Eisenberg.

Please - we are not the 5th biggest eceonomy in the world. That is a selling point that does not sell. Any housing discussions need to address the amount of property in any city that is available for conversion. There must be a job market for the people that will be there. These types of endeavors need to be in a location that has a larger commercial tax base - San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento. Google in Mountain View is laying off people which is throwing their tax base off balalnce. Given the limited amount of money available they need to pick the right places so the people they have there can find work.

This says $26M + in CA taxpayers money given to Life Moves along with City of Palo Alto, starting new large shelter. Operations to be generously paid annually by City of Palo Alto

Web Link

So now the general fund is, the slush fund to spend money on ill- thought out programs, with no effectiveness. It’s a BIG scam and some people/organizations are making off with our high taxes here in Palo Alto. STOP!!!!!

What have we learned about LifeMoves from the provocative and researched article? That it is ineffective, costly and would not be supported by any viable for profit agency. The question remains, why is Palo Alto supporting an agency with such a terrible track record, other than to assuage guilt?

FDR and his New Deal helped those suffering from the Great Depression upheaval, BUT they were required to work. This gave self-respect to those receiving dollars through the program and the respect of those supporting the programs -- taxpayers. What is required of the homeless for these generous handouts here??

Back in the day we had giant factories that provided all types of jobs. In San Fancisco we had an active port that provided all types of jobs. What we have done in the bay area is to eliminate all of the facories and an active port in SF. Current legislation is promoting the removal of commercial entities by high taxes and demand for more housing. The hosuing being provided is not low cost. We have allowed outside interests and the CA legislature drive out the jobs that people need - those that are not high tech. We are creating the problem - not solving it. Even Hollywood is producing pictures in other states now.

An opinion by a female that lived in one of the housing elements said never again. All type of rules that were controlling but producing no results.