I am appalled by Sen. Lynda Wilson’s evident lack of knowledge about homelessness and recovery, especially since she is hardly a newcomer to the Legislature.
There is considerable science, and local experience, that supports “Housing First.” People suffering from addiction and homelessness are not going to recover while living under a bridge, in a doorway, or in a tent. When they are safely housed and have access to services, many of them (yes, not all) are able to successfully quit and stay clean. Putting someone through rehab, then sending them back to the street, is a recipe for relapse.
It is also well known that one of the causes of homelessness is houselessness. People with jobs in our community lose housing because housing is expensive and they can’t find something they can afford, or they don’t earn enough to save and so one problem that would be minor for Lynda costs them their ability to pay rent, or …
Lynda’s lack of factual knowledge and lack of compassion are both shameful and horrifying.
Yes, our tax dollars need to be spent wisely and carefully. But this problem will not be solved by hopes and prayers.
