According to the April 26 front-page story of the Western News, 62 modular units will be ready for the homeless this fall.
This is supportive housing and according to the article, it would seem that it is to be filled with drug addicts and alcoholics.
That pretty well rules out recovering addicts and those homeless that are drug and alcohol-free that need our help. You can’t put the drug-free in that type of a saturated unhealthy environment.
Ask Wellness will be babysitting these people.
There are apparently a total of 116 housing units being constructed in two locations. What is being done to serve the needs of the homeless that aren’t addicted to drugs and alcohol?
I know of a very pleasant 63-year-old gentleman who is currently living in his half ton truck. He came to Penticton from a neighbouring town to get away from an unbalanced landlord from whom he was renting a basement suite. He lives on a disability pension of $1,000 per month and has found rental accommodation in Penticton which will be available to him sometime in May. He neither smokes nor drinks and is very careful with his money. He needs to be because most of his cheque will be applied towards rent. He keeps warm at night by keeping candles lit in his vehicle.
Behind most drug addicts and alcoholics there is likely a tragic story. They need our compassion and our help. But anyone that has ever been personally involved will tell you that all the do-gooders in the world cannot help them. They must first want to be helped and be accepting of help that turns their life around. That includes obeying the rules that are mandatory for re-entering society.
Unfortunately, most have not reached that stage where they can be helped.
Elvena Slump
Penticton