Pubdate: Fri, 15 Sep 2006 Source: Surrey Leader (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Surrey Leader Contact: http://www.surreyleader.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1236 Author: Gary T. Robinson START OFFERING REAL SOLUTIONS TO DRUG PROBLEM Open Letter To Mayor And Council: It would seem that our elected leaders have decided that "drug desperation and drug addiction" in this city is an issue that can be addressed by closing their eyes and closing recovery houses and recovery treatment areas. Their actions seem to indicate that the problem of homelessness, drug addiction, drug crime and women working the streets will disappear if they remove, or make it extremely difficult if not impossible to have recovery homes and shelters for the homeless in this city. Madam mayor and council, not everyone has a rich mom, dad or aunt. Not everyone can simply resolve their condition by banging their red-shoed heels together. Let's work together as a community to offer a solution that works. I suggest supportive housing, where people with various situations of need such as drug addiction, hopelessness and homelessness can get a fresh start. Places that offer solutions, not isolation. Places that take the desperation and change it to hope. Stop attacking the opportunity for hope and start offering real solutions. Gary T. Robinson, Surrey - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine