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
12-11
What about the guns, the shooting last week, and the knives? Get your heads out of the sand. These are a threat to everyone!
Thank you, Frances and Maria, for a balanced perspective on this. Unfortunately, the hysteria and vitriol around this issue makes it more difficult to move towards better solutions.
Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Schultz for your words of wisdom and courage to speak out. I appreciate it immensely, and I am sure there are others who do as well. Excellent idea about tiny houses. Yes; time effort and energy need to be spent on; positive productive solutions and support.
Your words are; a breath of fresh air on this tragedy taking place before our eyes.
Wholeheartedly agree Frances and Maria Schultz! Here’s more info re: Medicine Hat and well worth reading:
“Medicine Hat becomes first city in Canada to end chronic homelessness. The Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness confirmed the achievement of this system-disrupting BFZ Canada community.”
http://www.community.solutions/case-studies/medicine-hat-becomes-first-city-in-canada-to-end-chronic-homelessness/
I am a 65 year old man, fortunate to be living in a middle class neighborhood on the Westside.
Due to a progressive neurological condition, (I am relaying this as an explanation only). I normally do not talk a lot about my medical status as it is what it is).
I restrict driving my 2005 Hyundai Sonata (excellent car) to small areas on the West side for safety sake. I don’t want to drive any faster than 50 km and usually only have to go short distances ( to a pharmacy, to a super market etc. I drive maybe 3 times a week. In addition; I really don’t like going into public places and continue to wear masks if I do so.
Therefore; I rely on the excellent Access a Ride system if I need to go downtown for appointments etc.
Last Sunday, (after returning home from camping in BC) while cutting the lawn; a somewhat disheveled appearing Caucasian 20ish young woman who had the potential to be attractive tall, blond) walked up to me. She was carrying a pack of some sort a jacket (it was already hot) and wearing a U of L sweat shirt.
She asked; if I would give her a ride downtown. She appeared to under the influence of something, (not alcohol) she appeared; confused, somewhat frantic. I explained my medical condition and that I did not drive across the river, (and as I was wearing shorts) pointed out my leg braces. She was very polite, accepting and said ok and walked way.
After cutting the lawn, I decided to take my wife’s car and wash it as it was dirty, covered in pollen etc. Normally; I do not drive my wife’s vehicle (for safety reasons again) as it is newer etc. The car wash is only a few blocks from my home, so I feel comfortable driving there.
As I was opening the garage door, this same woman was walking by my home. She saw the garage door open and me in the vehicle. She turned around and came into my garage. This time she asked if I could drive her to the YWCA as that is where she lived. I explained my circumstances again. she then asked if I could drive her at least closer to the YWCA as it was so hot.
I was reluctant to offer her a ride as a man I did not want to be in a compromising position or accused of such. Consequently sated again I could not give her a ride. She again quietly accepted that and left and began walking down the sidewalk again.
As I pulled out of the garage, I realized I could have/should have at least given her some money for a bus. By the time I caught up with her, she conveniently was almost at a bus stop. I pulled over , rolled down the window, and she excitedly came running over, possibly thinking I had changed my mind. I told her I was giving her money for the bus which should be arriving in 10 minutes. She took the money and asked where the bus stop was. I pointed and stated it’s about 10 feet away from you.
As I pulled away, I noticed in my rear view mirror she had sat down on the grass beside the bus stop.
I don’t know why, I didn’t think of offering bus money sooner, I often do.
As I returned home after washing the car, the young woman was gone. Hopefully; she got on the bus and got to the YWCA.
This circumstance struck me as very, very sad. This was a woman who is someone’s daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, friend. This was a woman who could / should have her how life ahead of her , full of endless possibilities/dreams.
Yet her she is struck in her life, asking complete strangers for rides, appearing dazed, confused, lost, vulnerable.
I just think the whole experience; was very sad; sad for her obviously, sad for her family, sad for me and yes sad for the other citizens in Lethbridge and other areas without and adequate solution visible.
And it is very sad for those who are homeless. I understand the Lethbridge Homeless Shelter is the most dangerous in the province. Reasons given are often due to the going rivalry between the two bands. But that is said to be one reason why some are more comfortable establishing tent cities.
And sadly, tragically it appears to have become a common daily occurrence within the City of Lethbridge and elsewhere. Hopefully citizens don’t become so jaded, cynical regarding the value of another person, that we become like a bunch of New Yorkers.
And hopefully politicians and leaders don’t take the easy out and forget the needs of these people and focus on things like bright shiny Performing arts Centres instead.
Don’t get me wrong there may be a need for that as well, but it should not come before needs of the homeless Indigenous and Non Indigenous are addressed within our city.
i
i appreciate this account, as it is honest and human. each is an individual with a very different set of life experiences and circumstances. the lady referenced is but just one; not all may be as polite, honest, or safe. case by case basis is the reality.
with regard to homeless camps, they are not safe: not for the public at large, and not for the occupants. they are not a nor the solution. all those in favour of the homeless camps will not have them living beside or across the road from their property. imagine, at the very least, you have or are putting your house up for sale, and buyers have to consider the impact of homeless camps as neighbours. here is an idea for those that still do not get this reality: you have a front or back yard? offer up those spaces for the homeless. not only will you be blessed, your neighbours will love you.
biff
Homeless camps may not be the best long term solution. The solution….ideally along term solution, is what; it appears people are looking for.
However, because it appears nothing is happening and if nothing else, the rhetoric is increasing (which really does nothing to resolve the issue, only escalate the divisiveness) Perhaps homeless camps on a temporary basis are better than nothing. It appears, they are going to happen regardless of opinions, at least until a solution is found.
Unless I am mistaken, it seems all we are doing is going around attacking each other which causes nothing but people to become more entrenched in their own opinions/ideology and nothing really gets accomplished.
We just begin to mimic the antics /actions and behaviors of our elected official during Question Period, and nothing gets done solved or resolved.
Naively, I keep speaking out (and will continue to) and seeking and hoping for some degree of leadership from our “leaders” which may open a door and invite participation from the public for discussion idea generation, coming together.
I suspect, the people (including the Indigenous) if given the right forum, opportunity etc. could probably do a better job at finding solutions than, the elected officials have (who have had years to seek one)
I believe a solution can only be found by people willing and able to work together to seek one, not by working against one another.
Putting away ones differences, animosity, insults etc. We get enough of that from Justin Trudeau. It serves no purpose; but to appear pretty, witty and wise.
That takes courage, real courage, strength of character, and yes leadership … real leadership on everyone’s part.