Dear Editor,

91原创 has a homeless problem. Actually B.C. has a homeless problem that does not seem to have any answer. However a partial one may be in the making in 91原创. However, many 91原创 residents are afraid. I would be too if I had not gone out and actually visited with and got to know some of the many poor souls living on the streets of 91原创. Yes some use drugs, as do the many that even have a bed to sleep in. Actually over 70% of the overdose deaths in BC were housed. Those living on the street are often messy, no, very messy. How would my shopping cart or tent look if I had no closets to hide my daughter鈥檚 favorite Teddy bear or family pictures or momentos?

At the October 30th community meeting many spoke in ignorance without listening or understanding. Maybe the English language was a problem or their paradigm of Canada was incorrect. The large contingent of 鈥渘ew鈥� self-identified immigrants came to Canada in order 鈥渉ave a safe place to live.鈥� In Canada statistically those living on the street will not be as liking to molest or harm your children as your uncles/aunts or siblings.

Those on the street have mostly been in Canada their whole lives and many have served Canada in various international wars. They deserve respect and humanity. Often the self-identified 鈥渘ew immigrants鈥� professed loyalty to going to church and God. 鈥淲e want to help but not here.鈥� If they want to follow Jesus they may want to reread the beatitudes. As Jesus said, 鈥渨hat you do to the least of these you are also doing to me.鈥�

We do not need to be afraid of the homeless but respect them as individuals. The Quality Inn project will greatly reduce the current issues of needles and garbage in our Willoughby area. They will not molest your children and will not share their drugs with you as was a fear expressed at the October 30th meeting.

Igor Sporowski,

91原创