To the editor,
Re: City asked to support action plan to address homelessness crisis, June 19.
Money, money, money. Taken from my left pocket, my right pocket, now my back pockets. I have issue with these homeless counts. Obviously, if you have a big count the more money these help groups can point to for getting more funding. Is the count audited for legitimacy? Bottom line, the money ultimately comes from those working who are getting poorer and will soon, if not now, need help.
The very, very first thing that needs to be done for these people is to talk with them to see where they are in life, their mental well being. Then for their own betterment make it mandatory they go to drug rehab or counselling, schooling, do volunteer work or real work. If not, they don’t get another handout from anyone, anywhere. Canada has the lowest unemployment rate in 40 years so there are no excuses. By giving and giving it’s sustaining and even encouraging a sad and some may say downright lazy and cruel lifestyle for those who cannot break free from their habits and woes. And the way governments and groups are foolishly not handling matters there will never ever be any end in sight. With a mapped-out mandatory process to abide by there is a finish line, an end to this spiralling black tunnel which keeps growing the numbers of homeless, whatever the real numbers are.
R.J. Boileau, Nanaimo
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