Homelessness seems to be the subject of conversation in the Sky Valley and for that matter, in the state of Washington.
The statistics show an annual average increase of 14 percent. In Seattle, there are 8,000 homeless in one night with only 2,500 beds. Where do the rest go? It’s no wonder that some have migrated to the Sky Valley area.
The food bank in Sultan feeds all folks who come to the door. The policy is that if there is alcohol on the breath or there appears to be drug use, the client can be turned away. All others receive enough food for each person in the family to supplement their current week’s meals. Last week, we served seven homeless (folks without addresses).
Some of the food that the food bank is given comes from Volunteers of America Food Bank in Everett, some comes from food drives from the community and the rest comes from Northwest Harvest in Seattle. Northwest Harvest’s policy is that the food bank does not turn anyone away.
There has been concern from some of the community members that the food bank is enabling the homeless to stay in the Sky Valley by giving food. The fire and police departments receive numerous aid calls and police calls, which is a drain on the services.
I ask you, Sky Valley and Sultan residents, what do you think we should do? As a community member, do you think we should stop feeding them? Should we come together to discuss the issue?
Your thoughts, please.
Carolyn Eslick
President
Sultan Food Bank
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