Across America today, bigotry and violence between diverse groups is taking center stage. As a human relations organization, our mission is to prevent hate from taking hold by investing time in building relationships among our diverse communities.
As Fullerton convulsed in reaction to the violent death of Kelly Thomas a mentally ill homeless man, many were eager to point the finger of blame for this tragic death at the police, city, city council, mayor…anyone but themselves.
Yet when Rev. Darrel McGowan challenged us to reflect on the current situation, we could see our individual responsibility. He asked, “When did it become acceptable that a severely mentally ill person be living on the street and when did we start to look the other way and accept this as normal?” We were able to think how we can all come together to better protect this vulnerable part of our community.
OC Human Relations stepped up to convene the Fullerton Task Force on the Mentally Ill and Homeless. The Task Force studied best practices, dialogued with the mentally ill and their parents, learned from the behavioral health experts, heard from the regional planners about the 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness, listened to the shelter providers, homeless advocates, non-profits, faith-based groups, and the general public.
The TaskForce approved a set of eight recommendations to take to the Fullerton City Council in May and June for review. Our hope is that from this tragedy we can make the future brighter for the homeless and all residents of Orange County.
