BarrieToday welcomes letters to the editor at [email protected]. Please include your daytime phone number and address (for verification of authorship, not publication). The following letter is in response to 'Complex problem': Council takes aim at chronic homelessness,' published May 17, and 'Council paints stark picture around need for homelessness plan,' published May 18.
My civic and religious values mandate that I care for fragile neighbours, so I have been involved in Out of the Cold, Busby Centre, breakfast programs, etc., for 23 years here in Barrie. I am 81 years old.
My higher power considers all life equal and worthy of care. I was taught this early in school and church, only to learn that words don’t match actions. I wonder what your journey has been.
I cannot believe that the bylaws soon to be passed Wednesday are supported by all on council. Did I miss a public meeting you held to discuss these bylaws?
I have befriended a number of folks who will be affected by these laws. I’ve listened to their stories of child abuse, neglect, unhealthy choices, mental illness, intellectual disability, addictions that can’t be hidden in middle-class homes.
Another group of friends work in the agencies trying their best to care with inadequate support dollars, lack of staff, public and council disdain, criticism, and now bylaws that prevent care and compassion. Faith communities do what they can to fulfill their mandates.
Have any on council actually listened to people directly affected by poverty in a setting that allows time for genuine listening?
Yes, there are issues to be addressed, but people who feel cared for do not throw garbage, yell obscenities, destroy property or need drugs to blot out the pain of being worthless. The mentally ill and those addicted need more supportive housing, skilled staff, plus a compassionate community.
Please make that your focus.
Please vote to defer this motion on June 21 so people precariously living, agency staff, caring policy creators can work together to create better options than laws that are so unjust, illegal. Wrong.
Carolyn Boyer
Barrie
