A safe place to sleep good start

Dear Editor: Mr. (James) Miller, you are just not getting it (Editor’s Notebook, Okanagan Weekend, Page A10, June 16).

The majority of these “downtrodden” — at least you got that right — have mental health issues, drug or alcohol addiction or are mentally impaired.

Asking or expecting them to “clean up their act” because some of us attempt to help them with their horrible position, is like asking a young child, or a person with Alzheimers to be accountable. Or, perhaps like many I have met, you are looking for a reason to blame them and to feel justified in not helping and criticizing these “downtrodden” people.

Obviously some of the homeless are capable, but they are usually not the ones causing problems.

Those that are capable of realizing “society’s rules,” may not have eaten for awhile, are unsure of where it will be safe to sleep, wonder where they can go to the bathroom, etc., things that most of us take for granted.

I am quite certain most of our manners would disappear under these circumstances. Many of our homeless once had jobs, families, food and a home, but because of disasters such as losing ones job, being ill — physically or mentally — having no family support, not able to pay for rent, are now on the street.

I don’t have the answers, this is far too complex for one simplistic solution. Even if homes are provided, unless other forms of assistance are also provided, these people will remain in pain and cause others grief. However, a safe place to sleep and to keep what little possessions they have, is a start.

Who knows where most of us would be without family support, a steady decent paying job and shelter. Some of us — especially those too old or too ill to work are fearful of not finding affordable rent which can turn very rapidly into living on the street.

I am not a religious person, but, Mr. Miller, count your blessings. Sandy Hayes Penticton