Homeless problem widespread
The story of the people of Carmi hill (Penticton Western News, Sept. 29) is a sad reminder of how widespread the homeless problem really is.
In the 60s, one could apply to purchase Crown land almost anywhere in B.C.
In 1968 I located a piece of Crown land south of Okanagan Falls that I wanted to own one day. My application to acquire this piece of Crown land was accepted. I knew it would be some time before my application would be considered. I decided in the spring of 1969 to trespass onto the Crown land I had applied for and build a 16x14 shack. I had a wood stove and carried water from the Okanagan river.
In the early 70s my application to purchase the Crown land I was living on was approved. I paid $150 for the 2.35 acres of very steeply sloped land.
In 1982 I was once again very lucky. The regional district allowed me to replace the shack with a 500 square foot cabin.
Here we have an example of how a sense of fairness by the regional district and neighbours helped me to have a home.
Surprise, surprise I have not received even one welfare cheque.
Gert Hahn
Okanagan Falls