In reference to the ongoing debate on the homeless, I recall it being said that the poor will always be with us, which can also be seen to mean that we always will have the opportunity to help our neighbors. Also commonly noted, is that in helping others, we vastly improve ourselves and our own happiness. However, what practical help can we give the people strewn across our sidewalks and doorways?
Even though their plight is our problem as well as theirs, it looks hopelessly complicated. All the same, I wish a group consisting of a compassionate cop or two, probably just one aggressive lawyer, and a couple of tough-minded psychiatrists would sit down together and brainstorm possibilities of where upset people who are trying to cope with overwhelming odds against them might gain some physical respite from the elements.
Then, let their concerns be heard and how they might solve them with some help. Let the subjects of this problem participate in finding the solutions. Maybe such a practical and practiced group of helpers could develop a better system of triage instead of running some out of town, or pushing them from place to place, or throwing them in jail (whether mentally equipped or not.)
These are just poor people with problems and deserve compassion and an attempt to understand them. They are not helped either in being just left on the streets and trying to make public space their home. I have plenty of concern, but no solution and would love to hear what a group such as this described might come up with as suggestions for the rest of us to consider. We are all advocates for public safety and decency — for everyone.
Sharon Robinson
Marysville
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