Homeless Problem Public Comment from Judy HarrisLak es i de; rn
NoVendoer- -9; „w
CL4 Cttioc:tL 0P Le Thr
jay'Y[emLevs)
-Row? NOkiPHA2t^
jr�,j4e l3-240-6kjsOil )11
1)-(1cdress roL,
Tkithk
The Homeless Problem
Upon reading the story, "Kalispell
Chamber Considers Relocating," I had
a "tada" moment. I truly feel sadness
and empathy for the lost souls who com-
prise the homeless population. I wish
there were more resources to help those
who want help.
Now for my "tads" moment. Why
does the Kalispell Chamber feel like
they have to relocate? Why do we, as
hard-working citizens have to endure
tent cities, abhorrent behavior, and
drug paraphernalia? Why can't we
allow our kids to play in the parks on
their own? Why do store owners have
to face a loss of revenue due to strange
people loitering in their entrances, or
worse yet, have panhandlers accost cus-
tomers? The problem is that this isn't
just a Kalispell problem or a Montana
problem, but a national problem.
I had a tough old boss who used to
say,"If you're going to gripe about some-
thing, you'd better have a solution to go
with it." Here's my dilemma ... I don't
of solutions, such as running the home- I'
less out of town, but I doubt I wouldg et
much support for my solution.
To those who think warming shel-
ters, food assistance, tents, and pink
unicorns are the answer, I say this. I 1,
admire your fervent desire to help the
homeless, but that won't solve the prob-
lem. If you are a true believer in your
cause, the homeless would be staying
with you ... camping in your yard, eat-
ing your food, etc.
Yes, I'm a mean angry S.O.B., but ,
turning 70 has irritated me. Mostly, I
want to play with my grandsons in the
park and not be embarrassed by what
they might see. So, Kalispell, are we
going to continue to put a band-aid on
a shotgun wound, or are we going to fix
the problem?
Chuck Schedel
Bigfork