Editor,

It is my hope that Liz Carlston’s recent article (“No easy solution to panhandling,” Oct. 22) in no way represents the overall social understanding of the MBA Program. Her article makes false assumptions, provides inaccurate information and predicts unrealistic solutions. I am not attempting to claim an expertise on the issues of homelessness and substance abuse8212;yet due to my current professional experience working with the Salt Lake homeless population in a drug and alcohol detoxification center, I am more educated on these issues than the average MBA student.

First, it should be pointed out that Carlston makes the false assumption that because one panhandles, he or she must be homeless. While it is true that some homeless people panhandle, a large percentage of those who are chronically homeless (chronically homeless is not six months as Carlston indicates, but instead is one year of continued homelessness) resort to other means to obtain food and money.

Carlston later assumes that because one is homeless, he or she lacks the incentive or desire to obtain the necessary help. Carlston has most likely never spoken to a homeless person. They are embarrassed and shameful of their situation. They want to change, but most of the time are unaware of the programs that can assist them. Please keep in mind that for whatever reason they are homeless, they usually remain homeless because of alcohol, cocaine or heroin. These substances take over their lives8212;it becomes a never-ending battle for them. The solution to end the city’s problem with homelessness lies not in preventing future homelessness as Carlston argues, but in providing substance abuse treatment for the current homeless population.

I was disappointed with The Daily Utah Chronicle for providing such nonsense and false speculation to its readers. As I read this article, I read the words of an ignorant, uneducated individual.

Mike Sorenson,
2008 Alumnnus