By Demi Brown

Messenger Staff Writer

The homeless rate in Auburn has soared and is causing local homeowners to create their own assumptions about the increasing population.
“Some have sincerely come across bad times, however a big percentage could work if they want too,” said Kyle Corley, a citizen of Auburn for nearly a decade.
Corley’s house has been burglarized several times over the past five years by multiple homeless people where they stole jewelry and other goods. Since then, unknown others have also attempted to steal again.
“We never locked the car and house and now we do after the break ins,” Corley added.
Shops and restaurants in the area have also been affected by the homeless population, and many have received complaints by some customers.
“They ask for water usually, but when they’re outside they’ll panhandle… It’s bad for business,” stated Theresa Wilson-Selkirk, Auburn native and local bartender
Wilson-Selkirk was asked about her opinion on the homeless population in Auburn and whether it was an increase or decrease over the 57 years she’s lived here.
“There’s so much in Auburn now that it’s discouraging. I’d never want anyone I know to be homeless,” she replied.
Homeless or not, some Auburn citizens have the same outlook and opinions on the reason for the long-lasting increase of the population
“We’re not all idiots… The inmates rob and steal,” according to an anonymous homeless man in the area.
This man who goes by “Art” has been homeless for three years now after losing his job and a rough divorce with his wife. He wasn’t able to afford a lawyer or pay for his house, which in turn, lead to the government to buy the house and all of his belongings inside.
“When money goes south, then everything ends,” he stated.
When asked if he had been able to search for work in the past years, Art simply stated, “Appearance is everything. I can’t shave everyday.”
A Placer High School student, Miranda Fedornczuk, who’s mother, Jamie Brody, is homeless, was asked the same question as Art on if her mother was able to find work over the years and whether it was easier or more difficult.
“Now that she’s homeless, it’s tougher for her to get a job because first, she doesn’t have an address, also since she lives outside, she looks a certain way. Not grimy, but worn…” Fedornczuk said.
Although the homeless shelter is there to help those in need, it may not be as efficient every time. There is a long waiting lists and the capacity is filled very early on.
Jenny Turner was a park ranger for ten years and now is a resource officer. She’s dealt with the homeless many times before and has encountered both good and bad sides of the problem.
“We have a lot of assaults and domestic violence”, Turner stated, “Many of them do have drug and alcohol issues… There are a percentage that are actually down on their luck.”
`Not all people know the truth said about being homeless but there are many ways of looking at it. An Auburn resident by the name of Dennis Kurrell stated something that many people think is true.