Don’t get in the way of two excellent proposals

I have been disheartened to see the opposition to two proposed solutions toward relieving homelessness in Victoria, specifically the Cool Aid Society’s proposal to repurpose the Mount Edward facility on Vancouver Street and the provincial government’s proposal to take over the old Boys and Girls Club building.

Homelessness has been a constant issue in Victoria for at least the past 20 years, but there always seem to be roadblocks to concrete solutions. Some proposed solutions have been at such high cost per unit, it never gets off the ground.

But here we have two fabulous proposals using recycled buildings in appropriate locations and we see more negative reaction. The parents who object really need to spend a night in the tent city in the winddriven rain or cold temperatures. They might realize that it’s difficult to think about steps toward self improvement when the immediate goal is to just live through the night.

Don’t let unfounded fear get in the way of these two positive steps toward reducing homelessness and its effects. I pray Mayor Lisa Helps and council really get behind these initiaves.

And for most of us, may I suggest it’s time to make a donation, no matter how small, to the Cool Aid Society so they can reach their goal? We taxpayers will end up paying one way or the other, but I believe the most cost-effective solution is right in front of us. Paul Osborne Victoria