Pubdate: Sat, 09 Oct 2004 Source: Maple Ridge News (CN BC) Copyright: 2004 Maple Ridge News Contact: http://www.mapleridgenews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1328 Author: Robyn Vergara SPEAK UP ABOUT HOMELESS AND ADDICTS Editor, The NEWS: Our community seems to be looking more like King George Hwy. in Surrey or the Downtown Eastside. The homeless are growing in numbers and nobody seems to approve of their presence. So now that we know there is a problem, what are we going to do about it? The solution is multidimensional. It will be difficult to implement, but not impossible. One thing that every citizen of Maple Ridge can do is to contact the RCMP, the Mayor and our MLAs on a daily basis and let them know we want solutions implemented. Your calls will force them to put pressure on our provincial government to enhance the services that we provide in Maple Ridge. These services are in addictions, mental health, program development and housing. The Salvation Army has attempted to provide a safe shelter for those in need but due to minimal budget and lack of addiction-based programs, it has instead become a gathering place for drug abuse and crime. Money is needed to help the Salvation Army provide adequate services for the Caring Place. If the homeless and addicted have a safe, regulated place to stay it would be easier for the community to provide the services that we so desperately need and to develop a tracking system so that these people do not fall through the cracks. We are in need of more individuals who are skilled in dealing with people that are suffering with addictions and with mental illness. These issues are prevalent in every community (not just our own.) The people who are already working in these areas have large caseloads and it is obvious that if the population of homeless continues to grow, they will be unable to keep up. The professionals in this field have been letting us know for a while now that this is a major concern and it affects all of us. It isn't rapidly moving to our suburbs. It is already here. It is evident that people of Maple Ridge feel that by removing their resources of food and shelter it will cause them to leave of our community. Although this is a popular suggestion, it is only a Band-Aid, not a cure. We can no longer ignore this problem. It must be dealt with in a timely, manner. We as citizens have a right to live in a safe, clean community. By making our voices heard loud and clear, we can let the government know how to proceed in spending our tax dollars. Robyn Vergara Maple Ridge - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D