OrilliaMatters welcomes letters to the editor at [email protected] or via the website. Please include your full name, daytime phone number and address (for verification of authorship, not publication). The following letter is in response to a column about homeless encampments, published Nov. 14.
The first half of the column focuses on protests and the implementation of bubble zones. However, we felt as though it would be more valuable to direct the public’s attention towards the issue at hand: homelessness.
The lack of accessible resources, such as housing support and various health services, leaves vulnerable populations unprotected. Being in a public space ensures their safety and provides indirect protection by being surrounded by community members. This is a preventative act towards potential threats caused by other homeless community members or unhappy members of the public.
No one wants to make the choice to live in a public space, but it is the safest of options until there are more secure alternatives.
Public spaces are designed for community enjoyment. The presence of encampments does not interfere with this; rather, it is the dehumanization towards homeless people and the lack of support that attracts concern.
Displacement is only beneficial when the unhoused population can feel comfortable in their environment, instead of moving them for the sake of doing so.
Kendra Perry and Rylan Arthurs
Lakehead University students
