Photography Courtesy of Julian Lucas ©2012

Homelessness has been a problem in the United States since the early 1640s. Due to COVID, a large number of homeless people were left without shelter because of restrictions imposed during this time. Not only that, but various other factors contribute to the number of homeless people living in California, such as high rent costs. The Pomonan focuses on how many try to overcome the challenges of homelessness. In contrast, other websites, such as pomona.ca.gov, do not directly confront the issue of homelessness but mainly state different laws and acts planned to provide more security for homeless people.

The essay “Housing is a Human Right” by Julian Lucas, written for The Pomonan, discusses the negative side of homelessness in Pomona. A new law that was signed would negatively impact multiple residents by preventing them from being thrown out of housing. It mentions how people took action and started a protest on Garey Avenue, advocating for rent control. The article includes input from individuals such as Meza, who states that they only want better housing for those in the city and for people to feel comfortable. In the end, it discusses how Lucas is an art photographer who is also a housing specialist. The Pomonan website includes two images from this protest advocating to stop evictions.

The City of Pomona, California, website first provides an overview of the situation, in this case, homelessness. It details the various programs they aim to implement for homeless individuals and who is responsible, such as the County of Los Angeles. The website briefly mentions these programs and their expected effects on homeless people. Later, multiple sections provide the names of these programs along with more detailed descriptions of their purposes.

The first program is the Continuum of Care Permanent Supportive Housing Program, which assists homeless individuals with disabilities and their families by providing rental assistance through other agencies and sponsors. The second program is the Pomona Homeless Strategic Plan, which outlines how the city plans to combat homelessness. The third program is the Pomona Homeless Outreach Program, where multiple organizations collaborate to help homeless individuals access mainstream services, increase income, develop self-determination, and obtain shelter and housing. Lastly, the fourth program is the Pomona Continuum of Care Coalition, established in 1999, where 40 organizations work together to provide resources to the homeless. Overall, this website lists multiple programs in the city and their intended benefits for the homeless population.

The overall difference between the two websites is that The Pomonan focuses on the issue of homelessness and advocates for solutions, while the City of Pomona website discusses specific programs designed to address homelessness. Including both perspectives allows people to understand the challenges many homeless individuals face and how the city aims to implement policies to support them.

Students in Pomona High School's AP Economics and Government class have exhibited their understanding of real-world issues by writing insightful op-eds, photo essays, and film shorts for The Pomonan. Combining critical analysis with a touch of journalism, these submissions explore topics at the intersection of economics and government while fostering meaningful engagement with their community. Encouraged by their teacher Mr. Hangan to think deeply and articulate their perspectives, these young writers have demonstrated creativity, civic awareness, and a growing appreciation for the power of the written word in shaping public discourse.