I am responding to Philip S. Parker’s April 2 letter suggesting to “Invest in camps for homeless” in Clark County. I am sympathetic with people who have become homeless, but some of these people will not use shelters that are provided. They do not wish to follow the rules, so they camp out and use drugs and alcohol. They don’t clean up after themselves and use parks and other areas as their toilets and dump sites.
If we were to provide camps for these people, who will maintain them? Where would they be located? What will it cost the taxpayer? Some of the homeless have lived on the fringes of society, expecting others to carry the responsibility for their lives. I am sure that for some it is a lifestyle that they have maintained for years.
There are many agencies in Clark County that provide shelter, food, job training and assistance for those who are serious about getting their lives together as contributing members of society. I will continue to assist those agencies who are working to help people in need. Call any of these and they will provide information.
Lillian B. Christina
Vancouver
