Our homeless still at risk

RE: OUT OF THE COLD PROGRAM PERMANENT HOME

During the last few weeks we have been reminded of many accomplishments that are making St. Catharines a wonderful place to live, the completion of the new Burgoyne Bridge, our brand new Meridian Centre and now Ottawa has approved several million dollars to repair the Port Dahousie piers so they will be safe for a few to walk on.

Sure we have had our difficulties with our regional government. How many of us feel that we are not getting much bang for our buck?

As a past member of the original committee that formed Out of the Cold many years ago, I became very concerned that while all these good news items were newsworthy, we could not find a permanent home for the homeless of Niagara. I sincerely believe that Mayor Walter Sendzik and MPP Jeff Burch made an honest effort to make a permanent home happen. But sorry, guys, you failed the homeless of our community, Start Me Up Niagara, the participating churches, and also the hundreds of volunteers who make Out of the Cold happen.

Unfortunately, this year will be no different than in the past: some of our homeless will die because we are a community that loves our bridges, piers and art centres. We have failed to provide these individuals with the necessitates of life. At this time I can only think of what our Lord said to so many: For what you do to the least one of mine you do unto me.

Douglas Cushman

St. Catharines