Homeless camps aren’t a danger to anyone

By Lethbridge Herald on July 20, 2022.

Editor:

 We are concerned about some of the letters and roasts expressing opposition to the encampments. These letter writers seem to think they are in danger from the encampments. 

We live immediately across from the Civic Centre encampment. Not only do we not live in fear, but we walk past the encampment every day on our daily walks and talk to people. We feel that the people in the camp are far more vulnerable than are we.  

We, as well as our neighbours, can close our doors, lock them, have a roof to protect us from the elements, and maybe even have air conditioning during a heat wave. These people have none of those. 

 The existence of encampments shows that we still don’t take care of the most vulnerable in our community. 

The lack of affordable housing is one issue. Other cities have found ways to help. Some cities have successfully turned shipping containers into affordable mini-housing. The City of Medicine Hat has been nationally recognized for its efforts to find appropriate housing for the unhoused. No one should have to live under a tarp in our community.

 The issue of drugs is another matter. Risk? We regularly see drug deals go down across the street. A vehicle parks by the park, another vehicle parks beside it. There is an exchange then they both drive away. These are not unhoused people. The people doing the exchange can afford vehicles and no doubt housing as well. Does that make them better residents?

 There are other things the City could do to make the unhoused peoples’ lives more livable.

 How about porta potties, lots of garbage cans, and water stations?  That would be just a start. Other resources need to be developed and available as well. Let’s stop demonizing the unhoused people and support them instead.

 Frances Schultz and Maria Schultz

Lethbridge