Editor, The News:
Re: City tosses shelter issue to province (The News, Oct. 14).
I was saddened to hear that some citizens of Maple Ridge have resorted to violent acts against the homeless.
Although inexcusable, I fear these crimes are being fueled by public frustration.
The residents of Maple Ridge have make it very clear that any low-barrier facility is not welcome in this town.
Supporting the addicted with free food, shelter and needles while they continue to flaunt our laws, steal our property and dispose of their infected needles on playgrounds is beyond stupid.
The addicted need treatment, not facilitation of their illegal and self-destructive habits.
There are homeless shelters in Vancouver which operate with zero-drug-tolerance policies, while supplying food and shelter to those in need.
Our politicians need to rethink the low-barrier concept or I fear that prejudges against the homeless will only get worse.
Lilly Dickson
Maple Ridge