Re: “Tent-city resident a dedicated student,” letter, Sept. 15.
I know there are many young men and women who, through no fault or intent of their own, find themselves homeless and facing very difficult circumstances. These folks, and many others in a similar situation, require our collective support to alleviate the homelessness crisis in this city.
If you are homeless, it is nearly impossible to get that “foothold” to pursue education or employment opportunities, the latter the majority of us often take for granted.
Having said that, it is indeed challenging and contradictory for many of us to offer this support in light of recent observations at the tent city. Some angry, verbally abusive campers, coupled with discarded drug paraphernalia and a total disregard for basic hygiene, sadly compromise our views of those who, as described by the writer, are trying hard to improve their circumstances in light of these visible challenges.
John Stevenson
Victoria
