Re: The effects of “housing first” and what’s planned for Corfield in Parksville
What a comprehensive article we were treated to in Thursday Spotlight in the PQB News, August 9 edition. Thanks to Adam Kveton for writing it and to Renate Sutherland and Violet Hayes for contributing factual, clear and logical information.
Hopefully all the Corfield nay-sayers read it. In fact we all needed this information weeks or months ago, but at least now misconceptions should be put to rest and fear of the unknown should be quashed.
The “housing first” model makes so much sense and a community advisory council, along with tenancy program agreements and 24-7 supervision, should solve any short-term problems.
Yes, maybe more homeless people will choose to come to Parksville and perhaps we will have to create more housing. That will cost society less in the long run than bush-tent and vehicle camping with all the associated risks to individuals and the community. Over the past three years local landlords have already signed on to the housing program, with no apparent adverse effects.
Thank you for publishing this positive and well-researched article.
Noel R. Burnham
Parksville