Street Help doesn’t tolerate drug use

Re: Death investigated in neighbourhood struggling with homeless problem, by Dalson Chen, Aug. 25.

This sad situation should cause us to reflect on the sad state of the opioid crisis and homelessness in Windsor. While this was noted in the article, it also included the comment by Coun. Chris Holt that it’s “his understanding that certain persons choose to go to Street Help because the Wyandotte Street East centre has ‘certain latitudes’ not permitted at places like the Downtown Mission.” I know that Street Help has zero tolerance for drugs on its premises. If someone comes in high, they are asked to return later and given a homeless to-go lunch bag. I’ve heard Christine Wilson-Furlonger repeat many times: “People are hungry, feed them. They’re somebody’s child and they deserve compassion. Compassion means we help someone to their feet. If they fall, we help them again. If they fall to their feet 50 more times, we help them 50 more times.”

The homeless, the addicts and the troubled mentally ill tend to end up at Street Help because they have nowhere left to go. That is the reality. I’d like to offer Mr. Holt an opportunity to meet and talk with the homeless there, and get to know their stories. Walk in their shoes. Wash dishes there and serve them. See for himself if drug use is tolerated on site. I certainly know it wasn’t in the years I served there. I am sure Christine would welcome him, despite his words about the shelter. Christine is a very forgiving woman. We need to build her up, for all she does for the down-and-out, not knock her down, too. Who would be left to feed those barred elsewhere?

Rita Jacques, Windsor