Homelessness is not a standalone problem; it is a symptom of a much larger issue.

Economic hardships, lack of affordable housing, mental health struggles, and systemic inequalities all contribute to this crisis. Ignoring the problem will not make it disappear.

Homelessness affects not only those who experience it but also the entire community. It impacts public safety, strains local resources, and perpetuates a cycle of poverty. If we choose to tackle this issue head-on, we can create a neighborhood that is safe, inclusive, and compassionate.

Our district representatives need to pitch in on a daily basis to achieve any level of success with homelessness. Our community marshals together in order to help keep our community safe and clean-two very fixable issues.

District 9 has to step up with their involvement with Rolando’s homelessness issues. Simply put, we need help from all the entries that the city employs for a solution.

We all report on the Get It Done app yet we are dealing with the same issues just days later in a different location. The area on El Cajon Blvd between College and 70th Street needs to be monitored day and night. Graffiti, people sleeping on the sidewalks, trash and carts just left on the streets are littering our viable neighborhood.

Drug dealing, drug usage, mental illness, prostitution and a variety of other issues plague our streets 24/7.

Rolando is active in reporting and also in participating with various city entries to keep our neighborhood clean and safe. What is the city, D-9, and San Diego Police Department doing daily to help us? How are we supposed to solve this issues if we all don’t work together?

After living and investing in Rolando for 6 years, I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the nicest and caring residents. Some of them are 3rd generations living here-most are involved int he Rolando Community Counsel in some way or another. We care about Rolando residents and our business owners.

Homelessness is a challenge that requires collective action from every resident and city entity of our neighborhood. By understanding the underlying causes, fostering empathy, and implementing effective solutions, we can create a neighborhood that is safe, inclusive, and supportive for all.

Let us come together, engage in meaningful dialogue, and work towards eradicating homelessness.

Together, we can build a brighter future where every individual has a place to call home, and our neighborhood thrives as a compassionate and caring community.

Editor’s note: This opinion piece was provided by local resident Susan Adams.