SALINAS - The city of Salinas is meeting to try to tackle what it calls a bigger problem than you would think: Homelessness.
"unfortunately, I think we're going to hear it's more pervasive, deeper into our community than we'd care to hear," said Dennis Donohue, mayor of Salinas.
That's how Donohue described the homeless problem in the city that continues to be on the rise.
In fact, the Monterey County Office of Education said there are more than 3,500 kids who are are homeless, or in great need.
"The economy is part of the problem," Donohue said. "As the economic challenges stay with this community, state and the country, over time that takes its toll. I think, unfortunately, we're starting to see the impact."
Stephanie Muller felt the impact 10 years ago.
"I was a single mom and trying to make ends meet and having been a stay-at-home mom I couldn't find a job that paid more than minimum wage," she said.
Now, she and the At-Risk Artisan Gallery help showcase artwork from homeless people as a way to earn some money.
The artwork is a way for them to build self esteem and learn to be self-sufficient.
It's something tangible to help people now.
Donohue said the city is finally getting on board, taking suggestions that will be part of a ten-year study.
"We certainly want to know what we can do to address the problem," he said.
