Homeless event should be public

Dear Editor: I make reference to the recent news coverage on Medicine Hat, Alta. looking after their homeless successfully which in turn resulted in less crime.

I know there are people trying, with not too much appreciation or help, in Penticton. I also know that city council would rather hide at this time of year and just have bylaw officers give tickets to our homeless. Paul on Main Street has been given two tickets of more than $100, again. They even stuck a parking meter in front of where he sits to donate money to the city for the needy. Why, I ask?

I think we can learn a lot from Medicine Hat if we take the time to learn how they accomplished this. Just giving money helps but doesn’t accomplish too much. Giving them a place to live is expensive but that too doesn’t accomplish much. They need more help than money and homes. They require community help.

I am at the drop-in centre, reading the newspaper, and there is another article, “Penticton tackling homelessness” (Herald, Aug. 17). I hope they learn from Medicine Hat and better yet if Medicine Hat learned from them.

They are having a forum Aug. 24 at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre but it isn’t public. Should we not be able to attend to hear what’s happening? Are we not to be included as citizens of this community who are interested?

I hope this is not another government group that is going to tackle it with expensive employees with benefits and it takes years to accomplish. This needs immediate attention by the whole community.

Invite us to listen and learn. D. Dunkley Penticton