Low-income tenants still have their rights

Re: “Wrong ruling on Portland Hotel visitor policy,” editorial, June 3.

I am a former resident of the tent city and one of the residents of 844 Johnson St. The editorial could not be further off track. I am upset by the misinformed and condescending attitude conveyed in the editorial.

About six years ago, I had an accident and became disabled after over 40 years of productive working life. My disability pension of less than $1,000 per month was completely inadequate to allow me to find suitably affordable accommodations and I became homeless.

I was fortunate to be at the tent city when the courts ordered the government to provide more accommodation.

I was offered a spot in the purchased building on Johnson Street and signed a residential-tenancy agreement, paid a deposit and came in from the cold.

I have been here for almost two years and I do not need “supportive housing.” I do not have mental challenges, am not addicted to drugs and my only “crime” has been to become disabled, yet you feel I should be denied many of my normal citizens’ rights, privileges, benefits and responsibilities.

Low-income people are not dangerous or less deserving of tenants’ rights because they live in supportive housing.

Bert Woldring Victoria