Alcoholism is a disease, like diabetes. I advocate for increased awareness and research. I am an adult child of an alcoholic, with many alcoholics in my life. In my early adulthood, I moved away, obtained an education, entered therapy and started a family. But one never really escapes the effects of alcoholism. What I found in my 50s was Al-Anon, a program for family and friends of alcoholics. After being in Al-Anon for 10 years, I have found a profound sense of serenity, peace and community. It's the best gift I've ever given myself. Whether or not my loved ones choose recovery, I have found peace. I believe AA and Al-Anon are the most profound social movements of the century. However, you have to want recovery for yourself. It's a disease, and denial is a killer.
My church partnered with Mid Pen Housing to build an apartment complex for the homeless. It was partially funded with state, county and city money. Since day one, it has had serious security problems. There have been hundreds of police calls for service at the apartment complex. A rear fire exit door has been vandalized, repeatedly, and continues to be used by nonresidents to gain access to the building. Assaults, arson, drugs, gangs, threats of violence—the list goes on. My Christian faith calls me to advocate for the poor and downtrodden, and I want to see more housing for the homeless built in San Jose. The city of San Jose should look at all the permanent and transitional housing for the homeless. The apartments should be safe havens for people who are most in need.
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