Dear editor,
We of course understand that the homeless community is in need. There are proven reports detailing that helping these in-need populations is actually financially beneficial for the taxpayer. No one is debating that Helping Hands and its volunteers are doing a great thing. However, I find it disturbing that this "shelter" is basically being forced into Wilson Crescent, without any real input from the surrounding residents.
Squamish Elementary school is about two blocks from this location and any of those being helped by it will walk right past the school to get downtown, everyday. I'm not saying that these are all bad people, sure some of them are down on their luck and just needed a couple of meals and are honest, good people. However, I am worried about drug users near children who are walking to and from school and those with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia who may not be aware of their actions. The argument may always be made that these people are not dangerous and I'm sure they are good people. But the altered state that they are in, either from drugs, or as a direct result of a mental illness, renders them unaware of their surroundings, and well, dangerous.
There is no denying that these populations are in need of help, but to put that help directly in an area where the most vulnerable, children, could be directly affected? Unbelievable.
Cliff Donovan
Wilson Crescent
