About the publisher: I have been fortunate enough to meet many people whose lives have been changed for the better through the work of Skid Row Housing Trust. It is therefore very disheartening to read about the organizational mismanagement and appalling condition of many of the Trust’s buildings.

While organizations such as the Trust have built more supportive housing and moved more people into permanent housing in recent years than in previous decades, we have not paid enough attention to funding long-term operations and supporting residents.

Until policymakers provide adequate funding well beyond the tax credit funding system, we will see similar challenges for other organizations that could create upheaval for leaders, employees, investors, and most importantly, the residents who have found healing and transformation in these homes.

Bill Pitkin, Los AngelesThe author is a senior policy officer at the Urban Institute…

About the publisher: The problem of homelessness is always about people who can’t take care of themselves. A roof, a toilet and a kitchen are not enough. This is not a problem that can be solved for a long time on the street, in hospitals or nursing homes.

The question is when fully functioning citizens realize this and set up adequate facilities to care for people with disabilities or mental illness?

In the world’s wealthiest nation, the burden shouldn’t fall on charitable organizations like Skid Row Housing Trust. Nor should it be the responsibility of California or any other state to create programs and fund care for the disabled and the homeless.

This essential effort should be the responsibility of the federal government. We must demand from our representatives a federal program and a national safety net with treatment facilities in every state. We need housing, assistance and other resources for all Americans who cannot care for themselves.

Stephanie Kirschner, Agoura Hills