Editor: We all know that homelessness has become a big problem in this country. Chatham-Kent is a prime example of this.
I know we are being told to be sympathetic and empathetic towards these people. Anyone that knows me knows I am an empathetic person. But after reading some of the things that have been going on in this city, it’s hard.
Hearing about destruction and vandalism at small businesses in the area. People just trying to make an honest living. Thousands of dollars in damage. What is wrong with this picture?
To those people, I am sympathetic.
And to all the neighboring people having to look at a druggie strung out lying on the ground. Seeing people urinating, defecating and drugs being done in plain sight? Is this what we want our kids to see?
Property owners paying taxes and not feeling safe to walk their dogs or for kids to play or ride their bikes?
There is no order. Is anyone teaching these people that these things are not appropriate to do?
A friend of mine witnessed a man pulling a tree branch off and throwing it over the fence, Why? Destruction again.
The old encampment spot saw Belfor Restoration come in to clean up (which I am sure tax payers dollars were used) and garbage dumpsters overflowing.
Who is teaching these people how to respect property? Obviously nobody.
The new spot will end up the same.
As a tax-paying citizen, I am proud of how my city looks, but right now I’m not feeling too much pride.
Federal and provincial representatives, where are you? This should be a priority to get funding and get this crisis solved. It’s a state of emergency. Move the troops in if police cannot keep up. Do what has to be done.
More affordable housing needs to happen too.
As for Paxton’s Bush (mentioned as a potential acceptable location), like, really? Whoever came up with that idea, give your head a shake. A beautiful place where people go to enjoy walks, and nature and serenity. Not many places left like this.
As tax-paying citizens, we also need to be told what is going on, not kept in the dark. “Transparency” is the word.
I am happy to see the people of this city rising up. Give yourself a pat on the back. We shall not sit in silence while our city falls apart.
Deb Warnock
Chatham
Homelessness is a symptom of a greater disease. I’d caution against “these people” statements – the truth is that societal issues are never that simple and that many of “these people” are genuinely suffering. However, community members and neighbors are suffering as well.
There’s no winners, and there’s no right side or wrong side.
Anytime you have a large group of people there’s going to be bad apples – that doesn’t mean there isn’t people in encampments who aren’t trying to meaningfully make a difference in their lives. If you think it’s bad in our community right now I’d suggest making peace with the current circumstances as things are still projected to get worse.
We’re still several months (if not longer) from seeing the full consequences and damage of tariffs onto our already severely impacted economy. Regardless, it still isn’t fair for you and other community members. It really isn’t. Like I said, there’s no winners.
I want to stress that the point I’m making is that we’re all suffering. I live on the South end of Chatham and I’ve been impacted as well; however, despite those challenges I do recognize how incredibly fortunate I am to have a roof, four walls, and food.
And to answer your question about our provincial and federal representatives; they’re exactly where they’ve always been – as far away as possible the problem.
Nobody is being kept in the dark. We’ve been told for years and months that things were getting worse and that they were going to continue to get worse – are you feeling it yet? I want everyone reading this to know that we’ve barely even seen the tip of the iceberg.
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.