Re: Supportive housing project
I have given this matter much thought before writing. I can understand the concerns that property owners have, they have been reiterated many times. I also understand the need that is in our midst for those less fortunate.
How many of us know what goes on behind closed doors on our streets? The very things people are worrying about with the homeless, could very well be taking place on your own street; you may not be aware because it is behind closed doors. It is important for the homeless to be within walking distance of grocery stores, as they may not have transportation. Many are just one paycheque away from being on the street, how shattering that must be.
Given the right set of circumstances any one of us could be homeless; disaster often strikes without any warning. One never knows when they may find a loved one in dire circumstances with no place to lay their head at night or in the dread cold of winter.
There was another who was homeless — Jesus. “Foxes have dens & birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head. (Matthew 8:20) Much of his life he was homeless and relied on the goodwill of others. He told us what we did unto others we did unto Him.
No matter what, we should treat others as kindly as we would wish to be treated in similar circumstances. We need to encourage rather than discourage:
I am an 84-year-old lady living on Corfield very close to the proposed supportive housing. I have met some of the people on my walks who seem to be cause of concern for many. They have always been courteous and helpful towards me.
June Heale
Parksville