Let’s help, understand our homeless

Before the city enacts “civility laws” to control homeless behavior, the mayor and council might consider installing portable toilets in discrete locations near the library and in other park areas. Putting people in jail for relieving themselves in public is a complicated legal proposition – further clogging up courts and jails.

Downtown businesses vehemently oppose a 24-hour community center/shelter because they don’t want homeless people anywhere near their businesses. Setting up a bureaucratic maze and tasking police with staking out areas to arrest people when they have to relieve themselves seems like a foolish approach to the problem.

Expansion of a port-a-potty service – in addition to those in parks and ballfields – seems like a more sensible approach and less of a burden to police and would involve minimal city government oversight. If there’s a portable toilet available, people are not going to urinate/defecate in public areas.

The number of homeless people is a direct result of a depressed economy. Contrary to Councilmember Thomas’ knee-jerk response, people don’t enjoy being cold, unemployed and homeless.

Unemployment compensation doesn’t support people forever. If all you can find is a $10-an-hour job, try saving up first and last month’s rent and security deposit, Mr. Thomas.

I’ve volunteered at WWEE and the food bank, so I know, first hand, how desperate people are to get themselves on sound financial footing. Many are one paycheck away from homelessness for themselves and their children.

Instead of taking a snide attitude about homeless people, it would be better if we were a little more compassionate. Thoughtful, good-hearted individuals can – and should – get out and volunteer at Kent social agencies. They really need your help.

Instead of looking down our noses at the plight of the less fortunate, let’s try to be a little more understanding and lend a helping hand instead of judging with a cold heart.

– Sandra Gill