FEEDING ADDICTIONS

Re: Panhandlers need compassion, help, Nov. 4.

Letter-writer Amanda Earl seems to genuinely care for the homeless
people. However, I've worked with homeless people for a number of
years, and I think the public should be aware of the resources
available to them in Ottawa.

Homeless people do not go hungry in this city. Between the Mission,
Salvation Army and Shepherds of Good Hope, breakfasts, lunches and
suppers are available free of charge 365 days of the year. Also
several agencies, including churches, provide meals to low-income and
homeless people at different times of the week.

Homeless people do have beds to sleep in. In cold weather the
shelters for men have extra mattresses for overflow if needed. The
City of Ottawa provides beds if the shelters for women are full, and
in winter, extra beds for homeless women are provided for overflow.

For various reasons, some homeless people choose to sleep outside in
the cold weather. Services such as sleeping bags, blankets and food,
are provided, and a van will take them to a shelter if they change
their minds and want beds.

The public is not doing panhandlers a favour by giving them money:
All they are doing really is feeding their addictions.

Elizabeth Harris,

Ottawa