I discussed the issue of homelessness with the mayor before he became mayor and I know he cares about the homeless but wants to deal with it in an intelligent way that will serve not just for today but in the future. This cannot be an emotional response just for today. Some would sacrifice the small business owners downtown that have their entire livelihood invested there. Lose one or two and there will be no attraction to go downtown. I have been approached for cigarettes, money and even the proposition of sex. This is quite a turn off to go downtown.
I have hired homeless people to do work around my home and found most of them to be conscientious, hard-working individuals who took pride in their work. They have sat at my table while I fed them breakfast and lunch and found them to be pleasant and interesting.
I trust council will find a solution that will not just house them but offer treatment and counselling to help improve their lives. Homelessness and drug addiction has been a long time problem and a solution will not happen overnight.
Yours sincerely,
Tom Lester
Abbotsford
