THE HOMELESS ARE PEOPLE TOO

How many of us -- due to our own ignorance and prejudices -- can't
get past the word "homeless" without applying descriptions like
mentally ill, drug addicted or n'er-do-well? The fact they are people
is an afterthought.

If we are so fearful of their medical issues such as mental illness
or drug addiction, why aren't there immediately accessible treatment
facilities available? Many of the apparent "n'er-do-wells" have
health issues resulting in criminal behaviour, so why aren't the
justice and health-care systems working in tandem with solutions such
as "drug courts" where offenders are offered the choice between
treatment or jail time?

Rather than criticizing and banishing the afflicted from
neighbourhood to neighbourhood, why don't we hold elected officials
accountable for providing the means required for these peoples'
recovery and rehabilitation?

We are talking about somebody's mother, father, brother, sister,
husband, wife or friend -- all people before they became homeless.
And there, but for the grace of God, go the rest of us.

Liz Stonard,

Port Alberni.