Editor, The News:
Re: Modular homes won’t help homeless, says former Maple Ridge councillor.
I read the article of Mike Morden and am so happy to see someone making sense on the homeless/addiction issue.
Been in alcoholism for 10 years myself, was part of the previous “tent city” on Cliff Avenue, and cannot emphasise enough how crucial second stage housing is, and how hard it is to get into a proper second stage with follow up programming.
Without the place I am in now, transitional housing, Salvation Army, I would have definitely been part of Anita’s Place.
Money spent on treatment without a second stage facility in place is money wasted.
Offer the homeless housing after they commit dealing with their addiction or mental health issues first. Make it more attractive to maybe do something about the cause first, and fair for the money spend on behalf of the community.
So much money is being wasted. People trying but discouraged because they can’t seem to get it right, it’s not their fault. But that is not how you see it if you fail after treatment.
Willem Van der Bom
Maple Ridge