I would like to set the record straight regarding Carey Jones’ letter to the editor dated 11/22/2012.  He states he is among those “...persons who live outside by personal choice.”  And refers to the “self proclaimed and self-aggrandizing “homeless advocates” and their ilk…” who are trying to help those in need.  Well, I am one of the “ilk” to whom he refers.  I work with the homeless and others in need on a variety of complex issues.  I worked one-on-one with Mr. Jones when he was interested in making a change in his life, a change that involved entering rehabilitation.  I spent hours trying to get him a required photo ID.  Not an easy task.

The Times Independent ran a three part series last December called, “Portrait of Homelessness”.  Mr. Jones was the first homeless person featured.  During his interview he confessed his long-held fear of freezing to death along the creek and expressed his gratitude to those of our “ilk.”  And last year, because of the self-proclaimed and self aggrandizing “homeless advocates,” another “ilk” rented a room in their home to Mr. Jones.  Most of his rent was paid by the “self proclaimed and self aggrandizing “homeless advocates”.

Mr. Jones further claims that there are half a dozen homeless.  Does he include the incarcerated homeless?  Those sleeping under bridges? Passing through town? At Seekhaven? Just to let the public know, the last official point in time count showed about 16 homeless in our community.  Experts feel there are more, uncounted homeless.  I wonder what the January 2013 count will reveal.

Take it from one of the “ilk”  – We have kept many from sleeping out in the freezing cold and helped them in numerous other ways with very complicated issues.  The vast majority of them do not agree with Mr. Jones’ position that he speaks for them. And, since Mr. Jones is currently housed, he doesn’t need to worry about freezing to death, no matter the beauty of the “moonlit canyon.”

Lenore R. Beeson

– Moab