Dear Editor:
Re: City councillors say they want homeless encampment out of Rainbow Park
Homelessness: what if it's not a one-size-fits-all problem/solution?
With huge gratitude to our shelters, a layer of the situation has been addressed.
The folks in Rainbow Park don't fit the shelter scene and likely each person has their own reason(s) and requires a unique solution.
What if a team of trained professionals talked with the individuals and asked what each wants needs to be housed? We don't need to group the homeless humans altogether... perhaps manage them individually with their input and agreement.
Perhaps some do want to live outside, and others need a very structured indoor space, and others want to be in a rural setting or around animals.
Maybe some groups would emerge.
There's going to be a big financial cost whether we address this or not, so we might as well add a line to the budget for everyone's sake.
One thing all people have in common is that they need to empty their bowels and bladders and if we don't provide a place to do it they will find a spot as best they can.
And yes, this would be good for business and for tourism in our downtown.
Laurie Trombley