A Homeless Oakland Couple Moved into a $4 Million Piedmont House, Then Came Calls to the Police (Alameda: houses, neighborhoods)

[18Montclair]

An excerpt:
"Greg Dunston and Marie McKinzie lived on Oakland’s streets for almost 10 years, pushing their carts around with all their belongings and sleeping in the doorway of an Alameda County building.

But for the past three months, the couple have lived among the wealthy — on a nearly $4 million property in one of the Bay Area’s most exclusive neighborhoods in Piedmont. The homeowner, Terrence McGrath, did something few in his position would dare do: He opened his doors to homeless people in need..."

https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/...n-13812019.php

[HereOnMars]

A really inspiring article. Mr. McGrath sounds like a good and decent man. Frankly, I think he's too good to be living in that neighborhood.

[kttam186290]

That's amazing!



...Although, I have to say that even though this situation is very ideal, I wouldn't encourage other people to do it freely, for obvious reasons relating to safety.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by kttam186290

That's amazing!



...Although, I have to say that even though this situation is very ideal, I wouldn't encourage other people to do it freely, for obvious reasons relating to safety.

I think the article said, that he'd befriended them for awhile, before making the decision. He'd gotten to know them.

[Zenstyle]

Says the homeowner:
“I cannot avoid the responsibility I have to life around me. I have a personal obligation to take responsibility when I see injustices."
That says it all. What a decent guy.
My question is: why don't we hear about this happening more often? There are so many oversized, empty multi-bedroom houses in the U.S.

[Tulemutt]

Originally Posted by Zenstyle

Says the homeowner:
“I cannot avoid the responsibility I have to life around me. I have a personal obligation to take responsibility when I see injustices."
That says it all. What a decent guy.
My question is: why don't we hear about this happening more often? There are so many oversized, empty multi-bedroom houses in the U.S.

... Because it’s dangerous taking strangers into your home / car. Same as picking up hitch hikers. As Ruth pointed out: seems the homeowner took some time to know the couple first. I have assisted numerous homeless (mostly vets, as I am retired military and know the VA system / benefits game). I have taken a handful in for varying periods of time. Very few people should ever consider this.

[CorporateCowboy]

Originally Posted by Zenstyle

Says the homeowner:
“I cannot avoid the responsibility I have to life around me. I have a personal obligation to take responsibility when I see injustices."
That says it all. What a decent guy.
My question is: why don't we hear about this happening more often? There are so many oversized, empty multi-bedroom houses in the U.S.

This is a dangerous (and foolish) option; there are plenty of other ways to help. Not only that, there is a huge difference between feeling compassion for people (and wanting to help) vs. accepting strangers (many with mental illness) into your home.

[brightdoglover]

Originally Posted by CorporateCowboy

This is a dangerous (and foolish) option; there are plenty of other ways to help. Not only that, there is a huge difference between feeling compassion for people (and wanting to help) vs. accepting strangers (many with mental illness) into your home.

Exactly. Isn't that how that Utah girl, Elizabeth Smart, got kidnapped? Her parents brought in street people to o some work on the house or yard or something?

In my former job in psychiatric hospitals, I certainly took care of homeless and mentally ill/addicted people. They had problems way beyond a roof over their heads.

[NewbieHere]

I hope some of the people here on CD do exactly that, especially the ones who are vocal in supporting the homeless. Come on, take up the challenge, don’t just spew bs online.

[Tulemutt]

Originally Posted by NewbieHere

I hope some of the people here on CD do exactly that, especially the ones who are vocal in supporting the homeless. Come on, take up the challenge, don’t just spew bs online.

Example of “the bs”?