Lack of suitable housing a problem for many

Re: “Homeless billets a sensible idea,” editorial, June 21. Does a city owe anything to those who support it with their labours?

Many middle-income people who work in Victoria are unable to find an affordable, or any, dwelling so they are stressed with a tedious, carbon-heavy commute. Hospitals need nurses, but an operating-room nurse cannot take a call if she or he lives in Duncan. A drifter can float into town, like our climate, claim homelessness and be housed in the most expensive real estate in the province.

Two thoughts: • The Capital Regional District could start a list of local workers who need nearby lodging and of property owners prepared to help their city. Some service clubs might engage in the project. • B.C. has many ghost towns, from mining and logging contraction, with livable homes slowly deteriorating. Why not give suitable homeless the opportunity of a roof and a healthy climate to proudly preserve some of those structures? This would free up some space in our choking city for those who need it most.

Poverty is a national problem; housing a provincial and municipal issue. Dr. Michael Ross Victoria