Snowy bench
A couple of years back, I worked with a group of concerned Cornwall citizens on a project to get our homeless housed, off the streets before they froze to death. Now I see that nothing has changed; many are back in their tents while others, newly homeless, have joined them. Some have remained housed, but so many are not. We have so many vacant buildings in the area that could be used. Some would have to be leased, I imagine, but what is that compared to the cost of lives lost?
What is happening with Massey Commons and the transitional housing project? It was to have been ready by late spring 2025 and it is still not open. When I drove by to see what was happening, I stopped to read a sign on the door and was told by one of the construction workers to “get off the f$%kin property!” What is that all about? I think it is time to start putting a little pressure on the housing department to get some answers, because it seems that something is being covered up. Maybe someone from city housing would like to share a park bench one night with me, in this bitter cold, just to see what it is like, just us and the elements, let’s say midnight until 4am, no sleeping bag, no tent… Just us.
I think the fact that more people will freeze again this winter is a measure of our inhumanity. We have failed our people, our fellow human beings by turning our backs on them. That failure is a reflection of who we are. It is our problem, or at least should be; these people are down on their luck. Granted some may never change their ways, but others can and will if given a chance. If it was your son or daughter, your mother or father, would you care more? What if it was you? Would you want me to ignore you or would you want me to help?
I said as much at a townhall meeting a few years ago, and a so called ‘good citizen of Cornwall’ threatened me. It is time to ‘get off our asses’, to step into their world, to give a hand up, a smile, a sandwich, a warm cup of coffee. Most of us would not treat an animal the way we do our homeless, and this is a reflection on us.
Is anyone from housing willing to share a bench with me on a bitterly cold winter’s night? You choose the bench and the date! I’ll be there.
About the Author
