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The latest interesting idea on how to combat homelessness is coming out of California. In Elk Grove near Sacramento, theyâre paying the homeless to clean up their camps. Officials there say itâs working well, handing out small gift cards instead of paying thousands of dollars to have city workers do the job. Itâs also improving relationships. Al Weibe, a homelessness advocate here whoâs part of End Homelessness Winnipeg, says he likes the idea but would rather see cash given. GCâs imply the homeless canât be trusted with money. Al tells me heâs working on something similar with Main Street Project right now where Hope Alley on Main near the Bell Hotel would be kept clean by homeless people in the area. He says empowering people is key, it builds self-respect and self-worth. As Al points out, the greatest casualty of homelessness is the loss of dignity.