Rethink plan to demolish housing

Regarding the article, “Baker Heights residents left waiting to know community’s future”: The Everett Housing Authority plan to demolish 244 housing units was astonishing and troubling to read. I hope EHA has explored ways to preserve the housing in Baker Heights for continued use until a definite plan is made. The possibility of creating as many as 244 homeless families is not the way to relieve the ongoing homeless problem in Everett. Surely the Baker Heights housing that is now home to the 244 families is far superior to living under a bridge with a tarp and cardboard box.

Although the federal government is reluctant to help with the Everett problem; I believe the people of Everett are able and willing to work together to find solutions. I suggest the Everett Housing Authority get creative — rather than just looking to the wrecking ball. What is the “mission” of the EHA? Have any service clubs, Scout units, churches been asked to get involved in making repairs? The courts could be asked to provide screened offenders to work community service hours on outdoor repairs. Everett cannot and should not evict 244 families until a plan is made that will help, rather than exacerbate the existing homelessness problem.

Ralph Gilcreest

Mukilteo

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