During our recent cold weather while walking my dog across a field, I saw a curious sight under the low-branched trees: gathered cedar boughs and insoles for shoes littered about. On closer observation, I realized they were spent foot-warmers — likely evidence of someone attempting to keep warm the night before. I’m sure you’ve also seen “them” or evidence of their presence in our neighborhood. The discarded wet sleeping bag near an underpass or averting our eyes from the unkempt guy with his sign by an offramp exit. “They” are human beings experiencing the crisis and desperation of homelessness.
At a recent public meeting in the Hough neighborhood, community agencies discussed and listened to our concerns about the Lincoln Place “Housing First” project. The “Housing First” model has proven across the nation in multiple communities to curb homelessness among the most difficult to reach — the chronically homeless who have complex issues, substance addiction, mental illness, and physical disabilities. “Housing First” aims to stabilize individuals, thus reducing taxpayer costs such as police and multiple emergency room visits.
In response to a neighbor’s voiced concerns of safety, I refer to the Feb. 19 story “Neighborhood police building connections to increase protection.” I am proud to be in a community compassionate enough to answer the call for help, bringing us closer to alleviating homelessness and saving our hard-earned, valuable tax dollars.
Emily Stoutsenberger
Vancouver
