Editor, The News:
Re: Have a heart, homeless are people too (Letters, April 13).
We are residents of this street that has been in discussion lately and I have to say we are feeling very frustrated, because all the feedback we have read in the newspaper since Mr. Homen’s article about the homeless issue at the end of Cliff Avenue has been spun in a different direction of insults, snide remarks and complete disregard for what we are dealing with on this street.
We know homelessness is a widespread problem.
There is garbage strewn in front of Catalina pools all the time, the municipal workers can’t keep up with the clean up, bless their hearts.
My kids can’t ride bikes in the cul-de-sac because there are needles, garbage and unwell people loitering around.
The police are down here all the time for various reasons.
If you drive down our street, you’ll notice that there are hardly any fences. We all know each other and have built a community of relationships on this block.
We have passed the odd bag of clothes or cold bottle of water and a smile to the homeless passing by. We are empathetic people. We know everyone has a story.
That being said, we are also being intimidated, our properties violated and our street keeps getting a little smaller and our property values are getting lower.
We work hard for what we have. Maybe they should move the shelter next to your house and your tune will change.
Yes, this is a global problem. Maybe the push should be for the Caring Place to do more outreach, and the municipality to put up some streetlights.
The best thing would be for a builder to come in and build something at the end in that vacant lot.
The last letter about the Caring Place said the people that were living in the wooded area at the end of our street are the people who have been asked to leave the shelter.
How can Nerissa Gregory say the shelter did not attract them to this area?
The next shelter should be put up beside a police station so at least the people who struggle with addictions will have a chance to get well.
And to the people who are homeless, I hope you find hope and healing on your journey.
Unfortunately, it’s those rejecting the help who are creating this environment that does affect this street more than you think.
It really is sad all the way around and homelessness coupled with drug abuse is a huge problem. Too bad it’s more important to have a retracting roof over B.C. Place, but that’s a vent for another day.
Lisa Sullivan
Maple Ridge