COMPASSIONATE SOLUTION FOR SEX TRADE WORKERS

Editor, The News:

Re: In harm's way (News Views, Oct. 9).

Thank you, for your compassionate opinion about a situation that lacks
complete compassion.

I was not aware or forewarned that the home my husband and I purchased
in 2006 on 225th Street was a mini version of Vancouver's Downtown
Eastside. Even after working for a decade in an area of impoverished,
addicted homeless individuals, I was saddened to witness the same
activities developing in my neighborhood over the course of three years.

During the past year, I have been approaching some of these 'working
women' on North Avenue and 225th St. while walking to do my errands,
introducing myself and inquiring if they need any assistance.

Thankfully, two accepted and are now currently in rehabilitation
programs. Sadly, the others I have not seen for awhile are possibly in
jail.

I want a safe community as much as the rest of us do, and I certainly
do not appreciate being leered at by prospective 'johns' while on my
way to the local gym on a Sunday morning.

We all need to work together in order to protect our beautiful Haney.
Victimizing and jailing, addicted sex trade workers is not a
compassionate solution.

Michelle Rainey

Maple Ridge