The following is a recent letter sent to the editor of the Pentiction Herald, BC:
The Salvation Army needs to he commended for its efforts to patrol the back alleys, handing out hot drinks and blankets to people who are homeless.
However, as reported in the Penticton Herald (‘Salvation Army offers coffee, hope,’ Dec. 22), they were surprised to find so few people. At one time it was reported people who were homeless numbered 100 (‘Affordable housing hard to come by,’ Penticton Herald, Oct. 12, 2006).
However, as reported in the Penticton Herald (‘Salvation Army offers coffee, hope,’ Dec. 22), they were surprised to find so few people. At one time it was reported people who were homeless numbered 100 (‘Affordable housing hard to come by,’ Penticton Herald, Oct. 12, 2006).
Did anyone wonder what happened?
It was through the efforts of a small number of organizations such as Penticton and Area Community Enterprises and the Shilgne Society and many individuals who, with tongue in cheek, call themselves “streetwalkers†-- one of whom is an ordained minister from another community.
These organizations and individuals work directly with and among the people who are homeless, not from a desk. They used the resources of the people. often partnering with them and obtaining accommodation for them in apartments and motels.
This was quite successful and accounts for the noticeable reduction of people who are homeless in the downtown area. I also think of two ladies employed by the Royal Bank who took a person who was homeless under their wing, dipping into their own financial resources to ensure the person had shelter. This is community looking after community.
These organizations and individuals are largely unknown. However, they provide a year-round, valued service. Even though they seek no recognition, the community owes them a huge thank you.
Unfortunately, the solution they implemented is only temporary and does not solve the problem. The real solution lies with our elected officials at all levels of government. Surely, in a country as wealthy as Canada, we can find the solution. Surely our elected officials are not without compassion.