DIGNITY AND RESPECT

Re: "Time for YIMBY," Feb. 3-9

I look forward to the week's events and learning more about the
people in my community. I fully believe harm reduction is key to
building a foundation of hope for those feeling trapped in the
confines of addiction.

It is important to acknowledge that there are issues around stigma
and treatment of our marginalized population. It's not fair to say
that "stigma" and NIMBYism was the reason the Cormorant Street site
was closed. It was underfunded and there were many problems in the
area with disorder, drug use and dealing. These things themselves are
not so much the problem as the crime and dangerous behaviour that
comes along with it.

Our impoverished and addicted neighbours must be treated with dignity
and respect. We can do that by not relegating all marginalized
citizens to one part of town and providing comprehensive services in
different, yet accessible areas of the city.

Janine Theobald, Victoria