Editor: I am a little disappointed in what little the Gateway of Hope is able to do to resolve this problem of homeless people.
Maybe the answer is to listen to the homeless people first, which is what I did.
My first question was, “What do you think is the solution?”
All the homeless people I have talked to indicate modular housing is the answer.
Right after hearing this, I indicated maybe they would not like my next questions.
What are you going to do to contribute to society?
In answer to my first question, they indicated that they could clean up the streets of garbage. Secondly, they could chop wood for the campgrounds and for people who still have wood-burning stoves or fireplaces.
It occurs to me that any individual knows what they can attempt more than anyone else.
Then I mentioned that the homeless people who are on drugs, if they are serious about helping themselves, have to lose their dependency on these drugs. I also indicated that the homeless should not blame anyone else for the situation they are in and only they can find a solution.
After our little conversation they asked me to come back in 10 minutes and they would have some other ideas.
I indicated that I would not be back today but would be happy to talk to them again should we ever meet.
Bill Taylor,
Langley City