We're all in this together

Re: the letter 'Let them live in squalor'

I sincerely hope you aren’t serious. 

The reason you still see people in doorways, sidewalks, benches and parks is because the mission can only house so many people at one time. It’s a pretty small building and thus the living quarters are pretty small. The number of homeless far exceeds what our very few shelters can offer.

I’ve never had a homeless person swear, scream, yell or get belligerent with me. I’m sorry you’ve had those encounters, but it’s not fair to lump all the homeless population into that group as you’ve had a few less than ideal encounters. There are people working full-time jobs and are staying at the mission because of the housing situation in Kelowna.

If we had more affordable, low-cost housing, it would absolutely get used. They have two free places to stay and they do use them, but only a certain few can.

I’ve had my place broken into before – not a homeless person. Stop perpetuating the belief that all break ins, thefts, vandalisms and OD’ing are caused by homeless.

This is the kind of mentality that continues to cause these individuals to live in the situation they do. People spread false information and try to convince others to not help.

You should consider yourself lucky to have a roof over your head, a job that pays and not have any serious mental health concerns or situations that caused your life to turn upside down and forced you onto the street.

Simply ignoring people is not a solution. These people are human beings and still require help and respect.
Think about yourself or a loved one in that situation. Would you be so quick to tell everyone to ignore?

Treat people the way you wish to be treated. We all live together in this community.

C. Middleton