TC'S ARTICLES COMMENDABLE

As a social worker who works with the street population in Victoria, I want
to commend the Times Colonist on its coverage on the plight of the homeless.

As a worker and citizen, I believe that many of the city's problems related
to drug use could be dealt with more effectively if we had a safe injection
site which would let addiction workers connect with many chronic users.

This would ensure that injection drug users have a safe, clean place to use
and deposit their dirty needles, receive information on safe injection, and
support for those who may be contemplating sobriety or accessing the
methadone program.

In conjunction with a safe injection site, we also need a sobering centre
where individuals can stay during the day and evenings so that they are not
wandering the streets putting themselves and others at risk.

I am encouraged that Victoria city council is looking at these very
practical alternatives as the limited services available and recent
provincial funding cuts to downtown agencies are beginning to take their
toll on this very vulnerable population.

Kelly Lee,

Victoria.