READER OPINION

Homelessness? New approaches are needed

Posted

Dear Editor,

Most people, including me, do not have the courage to visit a homeless encampment. Yet, many complain about the presence of such sites.

The recent photographs and reported interactions with the homeless were enlightening. There is no easy solution. However, continuing to throw money at
studies, personnel, and temporary measures isn’t working. Statistics and the increased number of homeless sites show that to be the case.

People with influence need to think outside the box. For example, why not develop the old Olympia Brewery warehouse yard into a homeless site? The huge warehouse building and parking area could house many individuals and vehicles. Or, why not institute a guaranteed income payment to individuals to aid them in meeting rent and other obligations? Many municipalities have attempted that approach and been quite successful.

Legislation in Washington has been currently proposed but has not advanced. People apparently don’t like the idea of giving money directly to the homeless. I guess they just want to throw it into a bureaucratic structure? The irony is that giving money directly would be cheaper than how it is spent now. At any rate, new ideas and different approaches are needed.

The box need to be opened, instead of sealed with duct tape to keep the status quo trapped.

          ~ Fred Yancey, Olympia

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