PROACTIVE APPROACH IS NEEDED HOMELESSNESS, PANHANDLING CAN BE
ADDRESSED

Once again, the issue of panhandling and drug dealing on the streets
of downtown Vancouver is becoming an issue. Big hotels are speaking
out more, and some of their more vocal guests are saying they will not
return.

This problem is not just a Vancouver one, although it is at its worst
there. More and more often, the people who cause a lot of these
problems are showing up on the streets here.

Thus far, panhandlers are not hitting up pedestrians in Langley City
or Langley Township a great deal. But we have no shortage of homeless
people here, and there are plenty of drug addicts and prostitiutes as
well.

The Vancouver situation can be appalling. Some time ago, we made a
family visit to Gastown. My two teenaged children were aggressively
pursued by panhandlers, asking for money. That was such a turn-off
that we haven't been back, even though I like Gastown very much and
consider it to be one of the most interesting parts of downtown Vancouver.

Here in Langley, we have often seen panhandlers parked at strategic
intersections, with cute homemade signs detailing some woe or the
other. Needless to say, these "woes" are most likely fictional, but
are designed to pull at the heartstrings of drivers stopped at traffic
lights.

Most of the homeless people here aren't begging. Some make a regular
living from returning recyclables -- they are industrious and trying
to take care of their needs. Others are involved in stealing scrap --
these people have already caused some serious problems for business
owners and other people.

Some have serious addiction problems, and need treatment. However,
they are not compelled to seek it out and police have limited powers,
unless they break a law. Even then, the courts aren't likely to send
them to jail or order any type of treatment.

In the spring, there was considerable talk about some sort of homeless
shelter being built in Langley. I happen to believe that something is
needed, but as a caller to an open line show pointed out, many of
these people need "assisted" living. They need regular help so they
can function in a complex and often uncaring society.

The program outlined by Hyland House, in the Newton area of Surrey, to
an audience at Langley Township hall a few months ago may be one that
would work best here. There, shelter is provided -- but people there
are strongly encouraged and motivated to seek employment and become
contributors to society, rather than drains.

The home is located far enough away from the bars and other "magnets"
that seem to attract an element of people which make it hard for
anyone wanting to break free of the cycle of homelessness, drug
addiction and despair.

As the summer weather turns to fall, the homeless issue will come to
the forefront again. I believe Langley needs to take a very proactive
approach to those on the streets, and as a community act to ensure
that what is now a manageable issue does not become a major problem,
as is the case in Vancouver.