45 Empty Beds

by Darnell Boyd

Why did S.F. officials intentionally leave 45 beds meant for people with mental health issues empty? How dare they leave our most vulnerable population on the streets? They had 45 beds, yet they complained about homeless people screaming in Union Square, Market Street and Sixth Street. These officials went home to their comfortable beds every night for months knowing that there are 45 warm beds that is sitting empty and staff lied about those beds. What is happening to the community spirit we have? It’s slipping away day by day, and when it’s gone, it won’t be back. We must reach out our hands and help each other before it’s too late. I wonder how many homeless people have died as a result of being denied one of those empty 45 beds? It’s time to put aside our differences and help solve this problem.