I was told that city council, has directed Manna Society, a group of volunteers who helps the “homeless,” to stop helping those people if it is on city property. I was shocked.
I am not writing now with any emotional attachment to the subject of “homelessness” or the land dispute at 222 Corfield but when silence does more harm then good in our society it’s time to say something.
We like to think of ourselves as good people, good citizens, good Canadians, because we are compassionate and caring and most of the time we are exactly that. Unfortunately, sometimes we are not interested in the needs of our neighbours, all neighbours, because we become selfish and greedy.
It appears city council, or at least some members, have become just that.
Manna Society is trying to fill a gap because we as citizens have forgotten what made us great in the eyes of the world, our compassion for the less-fortunate.
This homeless situation will not go away. Many move to Vancouver island for the same reasons we all did. The climate. The numbers will increase and we as a community should be proactive in dealing with this issue. People who cannot afford food, clothing, shelter, and medical assistance will congregate in downtown areas close to food (from dumpster if necessary) and other facilities.
The site chosen to build the supportive housing project is a logical place. The previous council went through all the hoops. The project has approval, and funding, from BC Housing and BC Rental Housing Corp. Instead of wasting any more time on this issue we should be looking at ways to capitalize on our new facility and quit beating up on our most vulnerable in society.
Bill Myers
Parksville