Homeless need our help

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, August 5, 2020

I have been reading about the homeless camp (“Over 100 forced to disperse as Everett evicts homeless camp,” The Herald, July 10). I am appalled by the way the city has treated the homeless.

Our community already had many homeless who are scattered across the area under bridges, on the streets asking for help, and hidden away. There were not enough services or resources to help them before the pandemic and there are even less now. The homelessness rate is rising as unemployment rises in our city. People can’t afford rent and they are losing their homes.

After reading the Everett policy on encampments, I must ask myself the question, who is safe in our streets? It certainly is not our homeless. They have no other choice but to “occupy temporary shelters that are unfit for human habitation.” They will not get the privilege of having “high quality of life.” They are being negatively affected by what our community is doing to them.

I was encouraged when I found out that there was a property owner willing to help and others who could provide services and assist the homeless. I was encouraged by homeless people having a place to feel safe in these very scary times. And then I found out about the conflict and eventual eviction of the homeless in the camp from the property.

I know everyone is suffering and we are trying to help our businesses, but they can move and change location easier. The homeless can’t. They won’t be safe and won’t get help. So who is really punished?

I will remember the actions of the mayor and council when I make my decisions upon voting.

Cherrie Houser

Steven Houser

Everett